The ballroom erupted in cheers and confetti as Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas made Dancing With the Stars history with the first 10s of the season. Their spellbinding Quickstep to “Popular” from Wicked turned the night into a full-blown Broadway spectacle — and fans couldn’t get enough.
From the very first beat, Whitney’s charisma and precision lit up the floor. Dressed in a dazzling pink costume that perfectly captured the song’s playful tone, she moved with the grace and confidence of a seasoned star. Mark Ballas, ever the master choreographer, matched her energy flawlessly, creating a performance that was both technically sharp and wildly entertaining.
The judges were visibly stunned. Derek Hough stood up mid-applause, his excitement overflowing as he declared, “I feel like we are discovering a star before our eyes.” The crowd roared in agreement, and Whitney’s radiant smile said it all — this was her moment.
When the scores were revealed — a jaw-dropping 39 out of 40 — the ballroom exploded. The audience leapt to their feet, chanting Whitney’s name as confetti rained down and her fellow contestants cheered her on. It was a moment that instantly went down as one of the highlights of the season.
Social media lit up within minutes. Fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with clips of the performance, calling it “pure magic,” “Broadway-worthy,” and “the dance that defines the season.” Many even crowned Whitney the new frontrunner, saying her energy and talent have “completely changed the competition.”
For Whitney, the night marked a breakthrough moment. Once seen as the underdog, she’s now being hailed as one of the show’s brightest stars. Her chemistry with Mark Ballas — equal parts playful and precise — has become one of the season’s most talked-about partnerships.
Behind the scenes, cast members described the atmosphere as “electric.” One insider revealed that even crew members were moved to tears watching Whitney’s transformation from a rising dancer into a full-fledged star. “You could feel the passion in every step,” they said.
Mark Ballas, who has guided countless celebrities to greatness, praised his partner’s dedication. “Whitney’s one of the hardest-working dancers I’ve ever met,” he said after the show. “She doesn’t just perform — she connects. That’s what makes this so special.”
As the competition heats up, all eyes are now on Whitney and Mark. Can they keep the momentum going and dance their way to the Mirrorball Trophy? If their “Wicked Night” performance is any indication, the answer might just be a resounding yes.
One thing’s certain — Whitney Leavitt’s Quickstep wasn’t just a dance. It was a declaration. The ballroom has a new queen, and her reign has only just begun.
