Mark Ballas comes out of retirement to return to Dancing With the Stars season 34 with Whitney Leavitt, navigating high-stakes competition against co-star Jen Affleck while also previewing his upcoming appearance on The Traitors and expressing excitement over working with Dylan Efron, leaving fans thrilled and eager for the season.

Mark Ballas, the acclaimed professional dancer known for his multiple seasons on Dancing With the Stars, is officially out of retirement and ready to hit the ballroom once again, this time partnered with Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt.

The announcement comes as fans eagerly await the premiere of season 34, set to air September 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with live streaming available on Disney+.

Ballas shared his excitement about returning, explaining that the timing and the chemistry with his new partner made it impossible to resist.

“I missed the energy of the show and the connection with the audience,” Ballas said.

“When this opportunity came along with Whitney, I knew it was the right moment to step back on the dance floor.”

Ballas, who has won multiple seasons of DWTS and is widely praised for his choreography and stage presence, reflected on his previous time away from the show.

“Being retired gave me perspective and allowed me to explore other creative projects, but there’s nothing quite like the thrill of competition and the live audience,” he added.

He emphasized that returning isn’t just about the nostalgia or the spotlight—it’s about mentoring Whitney, bringing out her best performance, and creating unforgettable routines for the fans.

Whitney Leavitt, who gained fame through the reality series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, expressed her excitement and nervousness about joining the dance competition.

“I’ve always admired the show and watching Mark perform in past seasons has been inspiring,” she said.

“The challenge is real, especially knowing that one of my co-stars, Jen Affleck, is also competing this season.

I love her, but stepping onto the dance floor against her is a whole new level of competition.”

Whitney’s comments highlight the unique dynamic this season, blending reality TV fame with professional dance, and setting the stage for both camaraderie and rivalry.

In addition to returning to DWTS, Mark Ballas is also gearing up for his upcoming appearance on The Traitors, a psychological competition series on Peacock.

He expressed particular excitement about meeting Dylan Efron, who is also a contestant on DWTS season 34 and previously won his season of The Traitors.

“Meeting Dylan was incredible—he’s talented, strategic, and brings such a competitive spirit,” Ballas noted.

“It’s exciting to see him cross over into DWTS, and I think audiences are going to love watching him adapt to the ballroom.”

Season 34 promises to be one of the most diverse and exciting seasons yet, featuring a mix of athletes, reality stars, actors, and social media influencers.

Fans can expect dynamic choreography, emotional performances, and behind-the-scenes drama as contestants navigate the intense training and pressure of live competition.

Ballas’ return adds another layer of anticipation, given his experience, charisma, and proven ability to elevate his partners to fan-favorite status.

When asked about preparing Whitney for the rigorous demands of the show, Ballas was candid about the process.

“It’s all about building confidence, understanding musicality, and really pushing the boundaries of what she thought she could do,” he explained.

“Whitney has a natural presence, and together we’re exploring routines that challenge her while still making her shine.” Whitney, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for Ballas’ mentorship.

“He’s patient, inspiring, and pushes me in ways I didn’t expect.

I’m learning so much, and it makes me even more excited for the performances.”

The season’s narrative is further intensified by the inclusion of co-star rivalries and personal dynamics.

Whitney’s competition against Jen Affleck is one subplot generating buzz, while Ballas’ camaraderie with Dylan Efron adds another layer of intrigue.

Social media has already started to speculate about potential rivalries, alliances, and standout performances, creating a vibrant conversation among fans weeks before the premiere.

Ballas also shared that returning to DWTS allows him to reconnect with the audience in a meaningful way.

“There’s a connection you build with the fans over time,” he said.

“Coming back gives me the chance to engage, entertain, and share stories through dance that resonate emotionally.”

Fans can expect a combination of technically demanding choreography, creative themes, and emotionally charged routines that showcase not only the celebrity contestants but also the artistry and skill of Ballas as a professional dancer.

As season 34 approaches, excitement continues to build.

Between Ballas’ return from retirement, Whitney Leavitt’s reality TV background, the competitive subplot with Jen Affleck, and the presence of Dylan Efron, the show promises a season packed with drama, inspiration, and unforgettable dance moments.

Viewers are already counting down the days to see how the mix of personalities, skill sets, and storytelling through dance will unfold, making this one of the most anticipated DWTS seasons in recent memory.