The ballroom is often just the first step! As Dancing With the Stars continues its impressive run, fans are buzzing about Season 34 contender Whitney Leavitt potentially following in the footsteps of stars like Ariana Madix straight to Broadway. This speculation highlights a growing trend of DWTS alums making their mark on the Great White Way, a path successfully navigated by former pro Mark Ballas and numerous others.
For nearly two decades, Dancing With the Stars has captured audiences with its blend of celebrity competition, intricate choreography, and dazzling costumes. Beyond the sparkle and the quest for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, the show has become an unexpected launching pad for contestants and pros alike into new realms of entertainment, particularly the esteemed stages of Broadway.
The allure of Broadway offers a unique challenge and opportunity for performers to showcase their talents in a live, theatrical setting. Recent seasons have intensified speculation about which ballroom sensation might make the leap, keeping the fan community eagerly watching every step.
Whitney Leavitt: Could the DWTS Season 34 Favorite Become Broadway’s Next Roxie Hart?
Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars has introduced a new fan favorite in Whitney Leavitt, known from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Her captivating performances have not only impressed the judges but also ignited significant buzz among fans regarding her potential future in musical theater. During a memorable Disney Night, Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas performed to “The Room Where It Happens” from the hit musical Hamilton, further fueling the speculation.
The conversation quickly turned to whether Leavitt could follow a trajectory similar to Ariana Madix, the Vanderpump Rules star who earned critical acclaim playing Roxie Hart in Broadway’s long-running hit, Chicago, after her impressive third-place finish on DWTS in 2023. Fans have taken to social media, with many expressing enthusiasm for the idea. One Redditor speculated, “Does anyone think Whitney’s next opportunity is going to be getting invited to play Roxy Hart? I can imagine Whitney killing it!” The idea of Leavitt bringing her charisma to a role like Roxie Hart has resonated strongly within the fan community, with many ready to travel just to see her perform, as reported by Parade.
Mark Ballas: From DWTS Champion to Broadway Debut in Jersey Boys
While Whitney Leavitt‘s Broadway future remains a subject of exciting speculation, one prominent figure from the DWTS family has already successfully made the transition. Pro dancer Mark Ballas, a two-time champion on Dancing With the Stars, ventured to Broadway following his successful run in the ballroom. Ballas penned a heartfelt letter to his fans, hinting at a “new chapter and venture that is beginning shortly.” This cryptic message set the stage for an exciting career move.
It was later confirmed that Mark Ballas made his Broadway debut in the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys at the August Wilson Theatre, taking on the role of Frankie Valli. This significant step marked a pivotal moment in Ballas’s career, showcasing his versatility beyond the dance floor and fulfilling a long-held ambition to perform on the Great White Way. His success further solidifies the notion that DWTS can indeed be a gateway to major theatrical roles, as reported by Playbill at the time of his casting.
DWTS’s Established Path to the Great White Way
The journey from the glitzy ballroom of Dancing With the Stars to the hallowed stages of Broadway is a path many celebrities have embraced, proving that dance training and a high-profile television presence can open doors to new theatrical opportunities. This trend highlights the show’s power not just as a competition but as a platform for career reinvention.
Numerous DWTS alums have graced Broadway productions, bringing their newfound dance skills and celebrity appeal to the stage. These performers have proven that the discipline and showmanship required for the ballroom translate seamlessly to live theater.
Notable DWTS alumni who have made successful Broadway debuts or appearances include:
- Joey Fatone: A contestant on DWTS Season 4 and 15, he appeared in Little Shop of Horrors in 2003.
- Nicole Scherzinger: The winner of DWTS Season 10, she later starred in Cats in 2014.
- Amber Riley: Following her win on DWTS Season 17, she took on a role in Dreamgirls in 2016.
- Erika Jayne: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star from DWTS Season 24 performed in Chicago in 2020 and again in 2025.
Even contestants like Tori Spelling, after her elimination from DWTS, hinted at a possible Broadway future, underscoring the consistent appeal of theater for these television personalities.
Looking Ahead: Season 34 Speculation Continues
As Dancing With the Stars Season 34 continues to unfold, the excitement surrounding its contestants and potential career moves remains high. Beyond Whitney Leavitt‘s Broadway prospects, other developments are capturing fan attention.
Pro dancer Britt Stewart, for instance, sent fans into a frenzy after teasing her Season 34 partner with a TikTok video dancing to a remix of “Get ‘Cha Head in the Game” from High School Musical. This sparked widespread speculation that she might be partnered with either Bart Johnson, who played Coach Bolton in the movie trilogy, or Zac Efron’s younger brother, Dylan Efron. Stewart herself was a backup dancer in the original High School Musical trilogy, adding a nostalgic layer to the speculation.
With other celebrity contestants like Robert Irwin and Alix Earle already announced for Season 34, the show continues to bring a diverse array of talent to the ballroom, many of whom may one day find themselves on a Broadway marquee. The enduring popularity of Dancing With the Stars ensures that it remains a vibrant platform for stars to explore new artistic avenues, with Broadway often being the ultimate destination for those seeking to extend their performance careers into live theater.
