Whitney Leavitt Dazzles in DWTS Season 34 Debut

Lead: Reality star Whitney Leavitt made a triumphant return to the dance floor Tuesday night, delivering a polished Tango alongside pro Mark Ballas on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premiere in Los Angeles and earning a 15/20 score from judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.

Nut Graf: Leavitt’s performance marked a “full-circle moment” as she revisited her lifelong passion for dance after rising to fame on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Her elegant routine resonated with viewers and judges alike, setting the stage for a competitive season and underscoring the growing crossover between social-media influencers and mainstream television.

Poised and Passionate

Transitioning from TikTok sensation to live ballroom contender, the 32-year-old mother of three channeled her early Utah dance training into a technically sound Tango to “Golden” by K-Pop Demon Hunters. Leavitt’s precise footwork and commanding presence earned immediate praise.

  • Derek Hough lauded her “elegant” frame and consistency.
  • Bruno Tonioli commended the routine’s “very, very high quality.”
  • Combined scores: Bruno 8 + Derek 7 = 15/20.

A Full-Circle Moment

Leavitt describes this milestone as honoring her younger self. “I went from waving to my parents in the audience as a little girl to now having my own kids watching me chase a dream with courage and heart,” she shared in an exclusive interview, noting that TikTok rekindled her love for performance and paved the way to prime-time ballroom.

Friendly Rivalry Ignites Interest

Joining Leavitt this season is fellow MomTok star Jen Affleck, setting up a rare showdown between reality-show co-stars turned dancers. Fans of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives will be watching both women navigate the competition, adding extra drama and camaraderie to each week’s performances.

What’s Next?

With Tuesday’s debut behind her, Leavitt aims to blend gratitude and growth as she prepares for the next live show. Viewers can catch season 34 of Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes streaming the following day on Hulu.