PenaVegas describe Season 21 tension between Mark Ballas and Witney Carson

Former contestants recall rehearsal difficulties

Alexa and Carlos PenaVega said professional dancers Mark Ballas and Witney Carson were not getting along during Season 21 of Dancing With the Stars in 2015. The married contestants discussed the experience on their podcast, according to TV Insider and Page Six. ^{[1] [2]}

Alexa was partnered with Ballas, while Carlos was partnered with Carson. She said the dancers refused to be in the same room, making it difficult for the couple to spend time together as they had intended during the competition. ^{[1] [2]}

Claims describe the past, not a new confrontation

The reports concern an alleged behind-the-scenes dynamic from more than a decade ago. They do not establish that Ballas and Carson are currently feuding or that a new incident occurred between them. ^{[1] [2]}

The PenaVegas did not specify what caused the tension. Without an explanation from those directly involved, the reason should not be inferred from old performances, social-media activity or personal relationships. ^[1]

Professional history adds context

Ballas and Carson had previously appeared together in a professional dance during Season 19 and worked together around that period. During Season 21, both became engaged to other partners, according to TV Insider’s account. ^[1]

Ballas remains a professional on the current season and is partnered with Maura Higgins. Carson and Guillermo Rodriguez were eliminated earlier in October. Those current roles are separate from the historical claims. ^[1]

Attribution remains essential

The description of the dancers refusing to share a room comes from the PenaVegas’ recollection. The cited coverage does not provide a new response from Ballas or Carson addressing the account, and any response should be added if one becomes available. ^{[1] [2]}