Mark Ballas Makes Triumphant Return to “Dancing With the Stars” Season 34

New York, September 3, 2025 - Fan-favorite professional dancer Mark Ballas is officially back in the ballroom as a competing pro on Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars, ABC announced today on Good Morning America. Ballas, who retired after Season 31 in 2022, will partner with Whitney Leavitt of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives when the show premieres September 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.

Ballas first dazzled viewers in 2007 and went on to win three Mirrorball Trophies before stepping away from competition. Since his retirement, he has made guest appearances as a judge and performer, most recently alongside judge Derek Hough. His return marks the first time in three years that he will compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

Whitney Leavitt, whose Hulu reality series co-star spotlight preceded today’s announcement, celebrated on Instagram after the pairing was revealed live on GMA. Leavitt shared a video of Ballas executing a dramatic lift, captioned “I’M SCREAMING!!!!!”.

Season 34’s lineup features a mix of athletes, entertainers, and influencers-including Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, NBA legend Baron Davis, and Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying-each paired with a professional dancer. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough return as co-hosts, joined by judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.

Dancing With the Stars Season 34 premieres Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and simulcasts on Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu.