Mark Ballas Just Shared a Rare Behind-The-Scenes Moment

When Dancing with the Stars fans watched Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas’ journey on Season 34, many were left wondering what might have been after the pair were shockingly eliminated in the semifinals. But what didn’t make it to the DWTS ballroom is now delighting audiences online thanks to a deeply personal behind-the-scenes video Ballas shared on YouTube.

The Dec. 19 video post reveals how their final freestyle routine was born. Ballas is known for pushing creative boundaries. This behind-the-scenes video gives fans a closer look at the three-time Mirrorball champion’s process. We get to see rehearsal spaces, candid moments, and the emotional process that went into choreographing what fans are calling their “Roman Empire.”

“it’s fun seeing longer vids of the dance rehearsal, creating the choreo, prepping everything, wardrobe, trying different ideas for moves, more of their casual interactions with one another, the support among all the people involved, seeing Mark stressed but locked in on the choreo, Whit’s genuine nerves before the interview,” said one Redditor.

“Plus I loved seeing BC [Jean] and Conner [Leavitt] supporting and cheering them on, and all four together are so cute.”

The routine — eventually showcased on Call Her Daddy’s YouTube channel on Nov. 26 — blended a mashup of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” with the theme song from Leavitt’s hit reality series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and was shaped around their shared experiences on the competition and the backlash they faced. In the video, Ballas and Leavitt navigate creative decisions, laugh through mistakes, and refine the emotional beats they wanted the dance to tell.

The dance itself is a narrative journey that reflects resilience, heartbreak, and triumph. That intimate glimpse into their artistic partnership gives fans something they never would have seen on Dancing With the Stars (the dance is over two minutes long).

Even though Leavitt and Ballas didn’t get to perform the freestyle live on DWTS, the online premiere offered the performance the spotlight it deserves and showcased why their partnership resonated with so many.

Leavitt’s dancing era isn’t over yet. The mom-of-three and social media standout has officially landed her first Broadway role. She’ll play Roxie Hart in the Tony-winning musical Chicago, set to run Feb. 2 through March 15, 2026, in New York City.