Mark Ballas has gifted Dancing With the Stars fans with an unprecedented look at the emotional and creative turmoil behind Whitney Leavitt’s freestyle—a routine so powerful it’s become the fandom’s “Roman Empire,” proving that the most impactful art often happens far from the television cameras.
The December 19 YouTube upload from three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas provides what many Dancing With the Stars fans considered impossible: closure. The 13-minute video documents the creation of the freestyle routine he choreographed for partner Whitney Leavitt, which was never performed live after their shocking elimination in the Season 34 semifinals.
This isn’t merely a rehearsal tape—it’s a masterclass in artistic creation under pressure. Ballas, renowned for pushing creative boundaries, reveals the vulnerability behind the genius. We see him stressed, locked in, and meticulously crafting what would become a narrative of resilience specifically tailored to Leavitt’s journey through competition backlash.
The Anatomy of a ‘Roman Empire’
The video dismantles the polished final product to show its raw components. The routine, a mashup of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and the theme from Leavitt’s reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was conceived as a direct response to their shared experience on the show.
Key revelations from the BTS footage include:
- The deliberate inclusion of Leavitt’s family and personal history in the choreography
- Ballas’s creative process of trying and discarding multiple ideas before finding the right moves
- The emotional weight both performers carried into the rehearsal space
- Support from BC Jean and Conner Leavitt that never made it to broadcast
The final performance, eventually showcased on Call Her Daddy’s YouTube channel on November 26, runs over two minutes—far exceeding what would have been allowed on the live show. This extended format allowed the dance to breathe and fully deliver its intended emotional impact.
Why This Video Matters Beyond DWTS
Ballas’s decision to share this footage represents a significant shift in how artists control their narrative. For decades, reality competition shows have owned the entire storytelling process—from what makes air to what ends up on the cutting room floor.
This video gives that power back to the creators. It proves that sometimes the most authentic artistic statements happen away from the judges’ scrutiny and live audience reactions. The footage shows:
- Genuine creative collaboration rather than produced reality television moments
- The actual emotional process rather than manufactured drama
- Artistic integrity prevailing over competition strategy
As one Redditor perfectly summarized: “It’s fun seeing longer vids of the dance rehearsal, creating the choreo, prepping everything, wardrobe, trying different ideas for moves, more of their casual interactions with one another.”
From Ballroom to Broadway
The release of this video coincides perfectly with Leavitt’s career trajectory. The mom-of-three and social media phenomenon has officially landed her first Broadway role, set to play Roxie Hart in the Tony-winning musical Chicago from February 2 through March 15, 2026.
This BTS footage serves as powerful evidence of her theatrical potential. It shows her processing complex emotional beats and executing technically challenging choreography—exactly the skills required for a successful Broadway run. The video arguably functions as the perfect audition tape for New York producers watching her development post-DWTS.
The New Rules of Fandom Engagement
Ballas’s YouTube strategy represents a sophisticated understanding of modern fan culture. By delivering content that the official show cannot or will not provide, he:
- Rewards dedicated fans who felt robbed by the semifinal elimination
- Creates deeper emotional investment in his artistic process
- Builds anticipation for future projects and collaborations
- Establishes a direct creator-fan relationship independent of network television
This approach particularly resonates in the Dancing With the Stars universe, where fans often develop strong attachments to partnerships that get cut short. The video provides the satisfying conclusion that the live broadcast couldn’t deliver.
Beyond the Competition: Art as Catharsis
The most striking aspect of Ballas’s video isn’t the choreography—it’s the vulnerability. We see moments of frustration, doubt, and genuine emotional connection that reality television often smooths into entertainment product.
This raw authenticity is why fans are calling this their “Roman Empire”—a reference to the internet trend of being unable to stop thinking about something. The video proves that the most memorable artistic moments often come from working through real struggle rather than presenting polished perfection.
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