Dancing With the Stars pro Mark Ballas had been workshopping his and partner Whitney Leavitt’s potential freestyle long before they actually debuted it on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.
“I want to thank this incredible team for all of their hard work, passion and relentlessness to help me bring this vision to life in under 72 hours,” Ballas, 39, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, November 29, of performing the routine days earlier. “I had this concept brewing for a while, made mood boards filled with imagery and inspiration. I had been working on the music arrangement for two weeks.”
Ballas and the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, 32, were eliminated during the DWTS season 34 semi-finals despite consistently topping the leaderboard throughout the season. Within weeks, the pair got the call to appear on Alex Cooper’s podcast and discuss their journey.
“From that moment on, [my team and I] were firing on all cylinders and had to build it from total scratch from the choreography, venue, lighting, direction, cameras, dancers, hair, make up, wardrobe, props, art direction, production and editing,” Ballas recalled, referring to the Broadway-style routine. “Thank you to @alexandracooper for inviting us to be on your show and for putting this whole thing together with ABC and DWTS. You are an incredible interviewer. As someone who sometimes shies away from interviews you made me feel comfortable and relaxed.”
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Ballas also thanked the DWTS execs including Conrad Green, Deena Katz and Rob Mills for “trusting in [him] to bring this vision to life on such a big platform.”
“I am extremely grateful,” he gushed, going on to address Leavitt directly. “What a wild ride, thank you for all your hard work, grit, determination and many belly laughs we shared. I’m so proud of you and was so happy to share this experience with you.”
He continued, “It’s funny that you got your start on a ‘reality show’ but I got to see and know the real you. Congrats on all the exciting things coming up for you and remember ‘just keep swimming.’”
Ballas and Leavitt also had the complete support of the three-time mirrorball champ’s wife, BC Jean, and other family members.
“To my endlessly loving & supportive wife @bcjean thank you for always being down to go on the adventure and for letting me totally lose myself in my process,” Ballas concluded his Saturday tribute. “I literally couldn’t do any of this without you by my side. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have you in my life. I love you so much, and I simply cannot wait for some much-needed family time with our sweet little [son].”
Mark is the son of legendary ballroom dancers Corky and Shirley Ballas, both of whom have been in his corner all season long.
“Mark Ballas, your talent, creativity, and work ethic are simply outstanding; you operate on another plane entirely,” Corky, 64, wrote via Instagram comment on Saturday. “I admire your exceptional ability across dance, music, writing, playing, singing and performance. I look forward to seeing your wonderful creations in 2026. Love you, Dad. [I am] so proud of you. You’ve always lived in a different energy and frequency, the vibrations have always been strong, since the NinJaTurtle Days.”
