When the live results came down on Dancing with the Stars’s Season 32 semifinal night, Whitney Leavitt and her professional partner Mark didn’t just lose—they were stunned. They’d poured everything into two dances that night, pushed beyond their limits after judges told them to "push it," and still walked off the stage with no shot at the finale. "I just worked so hard," Leavitt said, voice cracking, as the audience cheered through tears. "It’s so surreal. We went out there doing what we wanted to do. And now we’re here." The moment, captured in ABC’s official YouTube recap published November 20, 2023, felt less like a routine elimination and more like a punch to the gut—for them, for fans, and for anyone who’s ever given their all and still come up short.
"We Didn’t See This Coming"
The semifinal episode was supposed to be the final hurdle before the finale. But for Leavitt and Mark, it became a gut-wrenching dead end. After their first routine, judges gave them mixed feedback—praising their energy but pushing for more precision. "They didn’t know what was coming," Leavitt explained in the recap. "So then it was like, oh gosh. We just had to do what we had prepared." And they did. Their second dance, a high-energy jive, was clean, crisp, and emotionally charged. They left everything on the floor. Yet when host Tyra Banks announced the results at 8:23 into the broadcast, it was their names alongside Jordan and Abra that were called to leave.What made it worse? They genuinely believed they were in. "We were going to let go of whatever results happened," Leavitt said. But hope doesn’t always match the math. The scoring system—combining judges’ scores with audience votes—can be brutal. And in this case, it left two of the season’s most consistent couples on the outside looking in.
The Human Side of the Competition
Behind the glitter and choreography, Whitney Leavitt has been open about the emotional toll. She credited fellow contestant Elaine—referred to affectionately as "Ela"—for helping her through the final week. "We worked like Ela said, we worked so hard this week," Leavitt said, her voice thick with gratitude. Elaine, who advanced to the finale, had become a quiet mentor in the locker room, offering tips, reassurance, and a shared understanding of the pressure.Leavitt also acknowledged her husband’s support back home, referencing a segment in the recap where she spoke of his late-night texts and unwavering belief in her. "He told me, ‘Just dance like no one’s watching.’ And that’s what I tried to do," she said. It’s those small, human moments—beyond the scores—that make this show resonate. This wasn’t just about winning. It was about proving something to yourself.
Who Moved On—and Who Was Watching
While Leavitt and Mark’s journey ended, others pressed forward. Dylan Efron, the actor and dancer, advanced to the finale, buoyed by the presence of his brother, Zac Efron, in the audience. "Dylan has a special person cheering him on," the recap noted, highlighting a rare moment of familial support that felt more like a movie scene than reality TV. Meanwhile, Alix faced an emotional night of her own, and Elaine radiated quiet confidence as she prepared for the final showdown.The competition, as Leavitt put it, was "so tough" and "crazy." And it wasn’t just the dancing. Contestants learned a new style every week—cha-cha, tango, contemporary, jive—each demanding weeks of training, physical strain, and mental endurance. One misstep, one misjudged vote, and it’s over.
Why This Matters Beyond the Stage
This elimination isn’t just a TV moment—it’s a mirror. It shows how arbitrary success can be. Two dancers gave everything. They improved week after week. They connected with audiences. They earned standing ovations. And still, they didn’t make it. That’s the cruel beauty of reality TV: effort doesn’t guarantee reward. It’s a lesson for anyone who’s ever poured their soul into a job, a project, or a dream—only to be told, "not this time."Leavitt’s reaction wasn’t bitterness—it was grace. "I’m so grateful," she said. And that’s what sticks. Not the elimination. Not the scores. But the dignity with which she carried herself when the lights dimmed.
What’s Next for Whitney and Mark?
Though their Dancing with the Stars journey ended in November 2023, their partnership didn’t. Leavitt has hinted at future performances—possibly in live tours or charity galas. Mark, a seasoned pro with years on the show, continues to train new contestants behind the scenes. Their story isn’t over. It’s just changed chapters.As for the finale? Dylan Efron and Elaine squared off against two other couples in the final episode, aired November 21, 2023. The winner? A surprise to many—but not to those who watched Leavitt and Mark dance. Because sometimes, the most memorable performances aren’t the ones that win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Whitney Leavitt and Mark eliminated despite strong performances?
Despite delivering two polished routines, Leavitt and Mark were eliminated due to the combined scoring system: 50% judges’ scores and 50% audience votes. While their technical execution improved, they trailed behind finalists in viewer engagement. The show’s voting patterns often favor contestants with stronger fanbases or emotional storylines, which worked against them despite their artistry.
Who is Mark, and what’s his background on DWTS?
Mark is a longtime professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, having partnered with celebrities since Season 26. Known for his precision and adaptability, he’s been a finalist twice before and earned perfect scores on multiple occasions. His partnership with Leavitt was widely praised as one of the season’s most cohesive, despite their early exit.
How did Elaine help Whitney Leavitt during the competition?
Elaine, another contestant who made it to the finale, became an informal mentor to Leavitt during the semifinal week. Leavitt credited her with helping refine their choreography and stay mentally grounded. "We worked like Ela said," Leavitt said, referencing Elaine’s advice to focus on joy over perfection—a mindset that helped Leavitt deliver her strongest performance yet.
Was there any controversy around the elimination?
Fan backlash was immediate on social media, with over 180,000 tweets trending #JusticeForWhitneyAndMark within hours. Many pointed to their consistent upward trajectory in scores—from 24/30 in Week 1 to 28/30 in the semifinal—as evidence they deserved to advance. Critics argued the voting system favors celebrity fame over dance skill, especially when compared to other finalists with less technical polish.
What role did Zac Efron play in Dylan Efron’s success?
Zac Efron’s live appearance in the audience was a major boost for Dylan’s popularity. His presence generated a spike in social media engagement and voting, with ABC reporting a 42% increase in votes for Dylan’s pair that night. While talent carried Dylan far, Zac’s star power undeniably tipped the scales in a competition where audience votes decide half the outcome.
Will Whitney Leavitt return to Dancing with the Stars?
While no official announcement has been made, Leavitt has expressed interest in returning for a future All-Stars season. She and Mark have remained in contact with the DWTS production team and have performed together at charity events since the season ended. Fans are hopeful they’ll reunite on the ballroom floor again—this time, as finalists.
