Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck's Friendly Rivalry on Dancing with the Stars

The ballroom is heating up for Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, and this year’s competition features a unique dynamic: a friendly rivalry between two co-stars. Co-stars from the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck, are set to compete against each other for the Mirrorball Trophy. This unprecedented matchup on DWTS adds an extra layer of excitement and pressure to an already intense competition.

Both stars confirmed they will begin training with their professional partners ahead of the September 16 premiere. Leavitt and Affleck have been sharing their excitement on social media all summer, but it was Leavitt who revealed her feelings about the competition.

The Friendly Rivalry

Leavitt admitted to TV Insider that there’s added pressure to make it further than her friend. "She joked that she didn’t join the show just to be outdanced by her friend on national television. But while the competition is serious, the friendship remains a priority. According to Leavitt, having her friend on the show motivates her to bring her "A-game," and she knows Affleck feels the same way.

Their unique friendship, Leavitt explained, drives them to work harder. She added that while they will challenge each other in the competition, they also intend to be each other’s biggest supporters. This balance between friendly rivalry and mutual encouragement is expected to become a central storyline throughout the season as the two women navigate the demanding process of rehearsals and performances.

Jen Affleck’s Postpartum Journey

For Jen Affleck, the show represents more than just a dance competition; it’s a form of therapy. The MomTok creator, who gave birth just eight months ago, has been open in the past about the mental health struggles she has experienced. She revealed that the rigorous training for the show has been a significant mental health booster.

She acknowledged that her training is challenging because she is still in the midst of the postpartum period, which involves late nights and frequent feedings. But honestly, if anything, it’s been helping me,” Affleck shared. She admitted that without Dancing with the Stars, she would probably be dealing with the "baby blues" and potentially postpartum depression, which she called "the most challenging thing that you can experience after having a baby.”

Affleck has also found a new source of joy and energy in her dance partner, Jan Ravnik, who is best known for his work as a dancer for Taylor Swift. She told People that Ravnik’s positive energy is comparable to her own. She expressed her immense joy about her partner, stating that she couldn't be happier with their pairing. She added that working with someone who has a lot of energy and a positive outlook has made the experience enjoyable. It’s making this experience even better.”

Despite the mental health benefits, Affleck acknowledged that starting an intense workout regimen just months after giving birth has been difficult. "The training is intense,” she revealed, admitting she has blisters on her feet and bruises all over her body. Still, she says the physical pain is "worth it because I’m having so much fun.” Juggling the show’s demands with a newborn and two other kids under four is a constant challenge, but Affleck is determined to make it work. She says the show is "filling my cup, doing the things that I love. She is finding great enjoyment in both participating in Dancing with the Stars and sharing her story. She says that the show is providing her with a much-needed creative outlet, which is helping her improve her well-being and, in turn, become a better mother.

Whitney Leavitt’s New Challenge

Meanwhile, Whitney Leavitt has her own set of motivations for joining the show. She has always admired Dancing with the Stars, not only for its spectacle but also for the way it pushes people outside their comfort zones. She wanted to do the show because she knew it would challenge her both physically and mentally.

For Leavitt, most of her dancing these days happens on TikTok or at parties. Getting back into a studio and training at this level has been both exciting and, as she admits, “very humbling.” She’s confident in styles that let her bring out her personality and have fun, such as Jazz or a “sassy, sexy Salsa.” However, she is most nervous about the technical aspects of the dances, particularly the intricate footwork and lifts. Still, she says her nerves just "fuel the excitement" and she’s ready for whatever comes her way.

When it comes to her professional partner, Leavitt hoped for someone who could push her, but also keep things light and fun. She emphasized the importance of a good sense of humor, as "falling flat on your face can be part of the journey.” Above all, she’s looking for a partner she can trust and connect with.

Looking to the Future

The presence of both Leavitt and Affleck on Season 34 is a rare moment in the show’s history and a testament to its broad appeal. They are both eager to show fans a different side of themselves. Leavitt hopes viewers see her "playful, silly side" and witness a mix of "grit, growth, and a lot of fun moments" they haven’t seen from her before. Driven by the desire to inspire, Affleck is grateful for the show's platform, which allows her to be open about her journey.

Both women are embracing the challenge, with the added push of a friendly competition. The stage is set for an exciting season, with both women representing their reality show, their community, and themselves as they vie for the Mirrorball Trophy. The competition kicks off on Tuesday, September 16, and fans are eager to see who will be the first to out-cha-cha the other.