For the show’s 20th-birthday celebration night of “Dancing with the Stars,” Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas brought high drama and precision to the ballroom with an Argentine tango to “Cell Block Tango” from the musical “Chicago.” This performance merged Leavitt’s social-media-savvy persona with Ballas’s veteran pro experience, delivering a routine that felt both theatrical and fiercely competitive. With the anniversary episode ramping up nostalgia, this tango became a statement piece in their season journey.
Ballas & Leavitt’s Performance with Scores
The couple receive a perfect 40 out of 40 for tonight’s performance. Leavitt and Ballas wowed judges with their preciseness and attitude.
Strategy, Song Choice & Anniversary Context
On the “20th Birthday Party” themed week of “Dancing with the Stars,” the couples each tackled a dance inspired by a past iconic freestyle, turning their routines into living tributes. Leavitt and Ballas opted for the Argentine tango style and selected the dramatic “Cell Block Tango” from “Chicago” to seize the moment.
The combination of tango’s sharp lines and the darker thematic tone of “Cell Block Tango” allowed Leavitt and Ballas to show range—moving beyond light-hearted routines into something more intense and story-driven. That decision dovetailed with Leavitt’s own growth on the show, as she had recently celebrated scoring her first perfect 10s with Ballas. Because of their strong performance record, the pair entered the anniversary episode with momentum—and immunity from the relay round, which freed them to focus fully on this main dance.
Personal Stakes & Public Recognition
Whitney Leavitt’s journey to this point carries personal texture. Outside the ballroom, she balances her competitive drive with her role as wife to Conner Leavitt and mother to their children, giving added weight to every step she takes on the dance floor. They tied the knot in 2018, and since then, their relationship has flourished both personally and professionally. Together, they’ve built a life grounded in faith, family, and creativity, often sharing glimpses of their love and adventures on social media. In an interview with People following her earning perfect tens, Leavitt described those scores as “a big reward” for her and Ballas’s hard work and commitment. She noted that what matters most is walking off stage and feeling confident they gave everything.
Their tango performance, then, wasn’t just a technical showcase—it was an opportunity for Leavitt to reinforce her seriousness as a competitor, and for Ballas to guide her toward a landmark moment. The song’s theatricality, combined with the show’s milestone theme, elevated the dance from just a score-chase to a defining moment.