During “DWTS” host Alfonso Ribeiro’s December 10 appearance on the “Jennifer Hudson Show,” he revealed a heartwarming story about how Mark Ballas stepped in to help when one celebrity contestant nearly spiraled into a panic backstage this past season. Alfonso was talking about the outstanding camaraderie he witnessed as the cast prepared for a team dance when he said”Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel, who was partnered with Pasha Pashkov, started to “freak out” moments before the show went on the air for the week 8 team challenge on November 4.
The “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star explained that as they geared up for the team dance, he witnessed pros being supportive “even with other people’s partners.” He recalled, “There was a beautiful moment with Danielle Fishel and Mark Ballas where she was freaking out literally seconds before we went live to do the dance, and he literally calmed her down. He pulled her into a hug and was like, ‘Just breathe. Breathe into me.’ I watched her go from trembling to getting solid, and then we went out there and killed it.”
Who Won the Freestyle Team challenge on ‘DWTS’ Season 34?
The Freestyle Team Challenge took place on “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night,” with the entire cast split into two groups for an intense showdown. Hosts Alfonso and Julianne Hough each danced with one of the teams. Alfonso’s team, dubbed “Team Chicago,” ultimately triumphed with perfect score of 40/40. They danced to the song “25 or 6 to 4.”
Julianne’s “Team Kool” finished two points behind, after performing to “Celebration.”
Mark Ballas Reflected On Season 34
Mark and his partner, “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt, were eliminated in week 10, just missing qualification for the finale.
Afterwards, they reacted to the cut, which many fans found shocking. “It was definitely worth it. I would do it all again,” Whitney said of the sacrifice and scrutiny that comes with appearing on such a popular reality TV show. She also said the experience brough her “so much closer” to her husband, Conner Leavitt, praising him for the fact that he “really picked up the slack” of tending to the kids, keeping the house clean, and plalying “stay-at-home-dad” alone. Whitney is a mom of three, including a one-year-old baby.
Mark related to Whitney about juggling “DWTS” with parenthood, saying, “Mine is two. Just turned two. And I have to shout my wife out for the same things.” He added, “It’s taxing and hard on the body. We both have partners that have just been there for us. So it’s been incredible.”
