Mark Ballas' Shocking DWTS Comeback: 5 Key Moments From His Latest Partnership And Judging Role In 2024

The "Mark and" partnership has always been synonymous with spectacular choreography, emotional storytelling, and multiple Mirrorball Trophy wins on Dancing with the Stars. As of late 2024, the spotlight is firmly back on the three-time champion, Mark Ballas, whose supposed retirement was delightfully short-lived. His return to the ballroom for Season 34, paired with an unexpected celebrity partner, and his subsequent appearance in a brand-new role, has become one of the most talked-about storylines of the year, providing a fresh injection of energy and expertise into the long-running competition.

This article dives deep into the most recent chapter of Mark Ballas’s career, focusing on his latest partnership with reality star Whitney Leavitt and his pivotal new role on the judging panel, confirming that the master choreographer is far from finished with the show that made him a household name. The dynamic of "Mark and Whitney" brought a unique blend of viral fame and ballroom precision to the latest season.

Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt: A Complete Biography and Profile

The latest iteration of "Mark and" featured a compelling duo: a celebrated ballroom veteran and a breakout reality television personality. Their combined star power created one of the most-watched journeys of DWTS Season 34.

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Mark Ballas: Professional Dancer, Choreographer, and Musician

• Full Name: Mark Alexander Corky Ballas Jr.
• Born: May 24, 1986, in Houston, Texas, USA.
• Parents: Corky Ballas and Shirley Ballas (renowned ballroom dancers and coaches).
• DWTS Tenure: Professional dancer since 2007, securing three Mirrorball Trophies (Season 6 with Kristi Yamaguchi, Season 8 with Shawn Johnson, and Season 31 with Charli D'Amelio).
• Career Highlights: 11-time DWTS finalist, Emmy-nominated choreographer, 2-time World Choreography Award winner, and a Broadway star (Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys).
• Current Status (2024): Guest Judge on DWTS Season 33 and professional partner in Season 34.

Whitney Leavitt: Reality Star and Digital Creator

• Known For: Breakout cast member of the Hulu reality television series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (2024–present).
• Digital Presence: Touts an audience of over 3.1 million across platforms like TikTok and YouTube, making her a significant digital creator.
• DWTS Season: Competed in Season 34 with Mark Ballas.
• Background: Utah-based actress and influencer who gained prominence for sharing her life and experiences online.

The Unexpected Journey of Mark and Whitney in DWTS Season 34

The announcement that Mark Ballas would be returning to the competition after his emotional Season 31 victory and subsequent retirement was a major shock to the DWTS fanbase. The pairing with Whitney Leavitt, a newcomer to the reality competition world, was immediately intriguing.

A Return from Retirement: Mark had previously declared his official retirement from the show, making his Season 34 comeback one of the most compelling narratives. He cited the excitement of working with a unique celebrity and the chance to challenge himself creatively as key reasons for his un-retirement. The pressure was immense, as fans expected nothing less than perfection from the three-time champion.

Viral Moments and Early Success: The duo, often referred to by fans as "Team Markney," quickly established themselves as a formidable pair, blending intricate ballroom technique with Whitney's natural performance quality. Their journey was marked by consistent high scores and viral moments that captivated the show's massive digital audience.

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Scoring the First 10s: A major milestone came when Mark and Whitney secured the first perfect scores of the season. Their Disney Night Foxtrot was a particular highlight, showcasing the technical precision Mark is known for while allowing Whitney's personality to shine. Earning those coveted 10s so early in the competition immediately positioned them as serious contenders for the Mirrorball Trophy.

The Semi-Final Shock Elimination: Despite their consistent performance and high scores—including tying for second place in a crucial week with a score of 58/60—the couple faced a shocking elimination in the semi-finals.

Their final performances, a Cha-Cha and a Viennese Waltz, were highly praised by the judges, making their exit a major point of controversy and discussion among the DWTS community. The unexpected nature of their departure, so close to the finale, highlighted the unpredictable nature of viewer voting in the competition.

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Mark Ballas’s Pivotal New Role: Guest Judge and Future Speculation

Beyond his return as a pro, 2024 saw Mark Ballas step into an entirely new position within the show: a judge. This transition has fueled intense speculation about the future of the DWTS judging panel.

Guest Judging Debut in Season 33: Mark made a surprise appearance in the ballroom in October 2024, first for a special segment and then officially serving as a guest judge on Season 33's Dedication Night. Sitting alongside veterans like Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, Ballas brought his unique perspective as a former pro and three-time champion to the panel.

The Pro's Perspective: His critiques were insightful, balanced, and delivered with the empathy of someone who has been in the contestants' shoes for over 20 seasons. Fans and fellow pros alike praised his expert commentary, noting the depth of knowledge he brought to assessing technique, performance, and choreography. He even received a touching note from Carrie Ann Inaba, which he later shared his intention to frame, underscoring the significance of the experience.

Permanent Judge Manifestation for 2025: The overwhelmingly positive fan reaction to his judging stint has led to a significant online campaign. Social media is now filled with fans "manifesting" for Mark Ballas to become a permanent judge on the panel for DWTS Season 35 in 2025.

His experience, legacy, and ability to articulate complex dance concepts clearly make him a natural fit for the role, and his presence would bridge the gap between the professional dancers and the official judges. The show's producers are likely taking note of the massive support for this potential career shift, which would mark a major new chapter in his already legendary DWTS story.

The Lasting Legacy of the 'Mark and' Phenomenon

Whether it was the emotional journey with Sabrina Bryan in Season 5, the championship run with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, or the viral success with Charli D'Amelio, every "Mark and" pairing leaves an indelible mark on the show's history. The partnership with Whitney Leavitt is no exception, solidifying Ballas's reputation as a pro who can elevate any celebrity partner to their highest potential.

His 2024 appearances—both as a competitor and a critic—confirm that Mark Ballas is one of the most valuable assets to the Dancing with the Stars franchise. His ability to draw massive viewership, create memorable performances, and now, offer authoritative critiques, ensures his influence on the show will continue for years to come. Fans eagerly await the official announcement of the 2025 judging panel, hoping to see the three-time Mirrorball champion transition into a permanent, well-deserved seat at the judge's table, continuing his legacy far beyond the dance floor.