# Maura Higgins on Dancing with the Stars US > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maura-higgins-on-dancing-with-the-stars-us > Updated: 2026-09-28T20:57:28.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 4. Television personality Maura Higgins was announced as a contestant for season 35 of Dancing with the Stars US, paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas. The pairing followed reports of tension regarding Higgins’ preference to avoid certain partners due to their public statements. Higgins made her debut on the program with a Traitors-themed Foxtrot, earning 21 out of 30 points and placing at the top of the leaderboard. During the performance, a prop Hermès Birkin bag was used in the choreography, while an authentic bag was presented to Higgins in the audience by Rob Rausch, a former competitor from The Traitors US. Following a three-day preparation period for a cha-cha, Higgins and Ballas earned 19 out of 30 points, placing second in their episode. Higgins noted she felt “overwhelmed and physically exhausted” during rehearsals. Other contestants, such as Ciara Miller, have also discussed the psychological impact of the competition, citing stage fright and anxiety despite prior reality television experience. As the season progresses, reports suggest producers may have misjudged the frontrunners. While initial expectations favored Jenna Dewan and Jackson Olson, both have allegedly underperformed. Conversely, Higgins and Ezra Frech have emerged as unexpected standout performers, with Higgins being described as a “dark horse no one saw coming.” ## Claims - Ciara Miller reported experiencing unexpected anxiety and stage fright during the competition. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong received 18 out of 30 points for their tango performance. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Maura Higgins experienced emotional distress and physical exhaustion during Dancing With the Stars rehearsals. (single source) - Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas received 19 out of 30 points for their cha-cha performance. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-28: Dancing with the Stars producers reportedly misjudge season frontrunners Dancing with the Stars producers reportedly misjudged season 35 frontrunners, with Maura Higgins and Ezra Frech emerging as unexpected breakout stars over highly anticipated contestants. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dancing-with-the-stars-producers-reportedly-misjudge-season-frontrunners ### 2026-09-23: Dancing With the Stars contestants discuss emotional challenges Dancing With the Stars contestants Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller have shared their struggles with anxiety, exhaustion, and stage fright during the competition. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dancing-with-the-stars-contestants-discuss-emotional-challenges ### 2026-09-16: Maura Higgins debuts on Dancing with the Stars US Maura Higgins topped the leaderboard in her Dancing with the Stars US debut alongside partner Mark Ballas, featuring a choreographed moment involving a prop Birkin bag. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maura-higgins-debuts-on-dancing-with-the-stars-us ### 2026-09-05: Maura Higgins paired with Mark Ballas for Dancing with the Stars US Maura Higgins will compete in season 35 of Dancing with the Stars US alongside Mark Ballas amid reports of casting tension and recent personal revelations. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maura-higgins-paired-with-mark-ballas-for-dancing-with-the-stars-us --- Cite as: Maura Higgins on Dancing with the Stars US. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maura-higgins-on-dancing-with-the-stars-us