Maura Higgins Shares Positive Post with Dancing Partner Amid Rehearsal Struggles
The reality star reflected on a challenging week of rehearsals for "Dancing With The Stars" following an emotional breakdown.
Maura Higgins shared a joint Instagram post with her "Dancing With The Stars" professional partner Mark Ballas, marking her advancement in the competition following a difficult week of rehearsals. Higgins, 35, had previously broken down in tears during practice sessions as she struggled to master the Cha Cha Cha.
The pressure had been mounting for Higgins, who had topped the leaderboard in the show's debut episode. Despite the challenges, she and Ballas ultimately earned a score of 19 out of 30 for their performance to "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire.
The social media post featured a shared moment from rehearsals, transitioning to images of the pair in their performance attire. The caption read: "I tink I can't." Higgins also shared the post to her Instagram stories, humorously noting, "This dance has killed me."
Speaking to U.S. Weekly about her emotional rehearsal experience, Higgins explained her frustration. "Genuinely, I was so annoyed at myself because I’m more of a 'suffer in silence' [type], and I couldn’t hold it in, like, I had a lump in my throat," she said. Higgins cited hormonal fluctuations, fatigue, and mental exhaustion as contributing factors, admitting that the dance steps were not translating into her memory. "I kept thinking, 'I only have three days. I have to perform in three days, what am I gonna do? Do this on the floor?'" she added, acknowledging her tendency to overthink and her need to "relax and enjoy this because it’s a dream show for me."
In the same week, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, 56, was eliminated from the competition, becoming the third contestant to be sent home in season 35. De Laurentiis performed a salsa to Becky G's "CHULA," but her score of 12 out of 30 was not enough to keep her in the running.
Meanwhile, "Step Up" actress Jenna Dewan, 45, secured a top spot, tying for first place. The show's "Viral Hits Night" saw contestants performing to popular songs, with judges Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba evaluating their routines.
Other contestants continuing in the competition include Golden Globe nominee Julia Stiles, 45, who made her debut last week. The lineup also features "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" actress Tatyana Ali, Olympic gold medalist Amber Glenn, "Summer House" star Ciara Miller, "The Bachelor" alumnus Tyler Cameron, Paralympian Ezra Frech, Hanson musician Taylor Hanson, athlete Jackson Olson, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez, "Glee" alum Harry Shum Jr., and comedian Connor Wood.