DWTS Season 35 Rehearsals: Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas Bicker and Bang Heads
Published · Updated
Cited: Yahoo, The Sun, TODAY.com
TL;DR
The ballroom is already heating up before the first dance. Two couples on *Dancing With the Stars* season 35 have revealed they’ve “banged heads” during rehearsals, and one star admits she’s “struggling” with the choreography. Here’s a look at the behind-the-scenes drama as the two-night premiere kicks off.
Why now
The ballroom is already heating up before the first dance. Two couples on *Dancing With the Stars* season 35 have revealed they’ve “banged heads” during rehearsals, and one star admits she’s “struggling” with the choreography. Here’s a look at the behind-the-scenes drama as the two-night premiere kicks off.
Agree / conflict
Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas banged heads during a rehearsal, with Maura jokingly blaming Mark. They also bicker like siblings, according to a source.,Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess also smacked heads, and Sharna revealed Tyler dropped her while trying a new trick.,Ciara Miller (partnered with Brandon Armstrong) said she’s never been so sore and even snapped at her partner after the third practice.,Giada De Laurentiis busted her toe and expects to lose a toenail.,Mark Ballas says he had to learn to trust Maura after their time on *The Traitors*, where they were both Faithfuls but couldn’t fully trust each other.
Takeaway
Reality TV stars face real challenges: Even seasoned personalities like Maura Higgins find ballroom dancing physically and mentally demanding.,Trust is key: Mark Ballas highlights that building trust with a partner—especially after a game of deception—is crucial for a successful dance partnership.,Injuries are common: From banged heads to busted toes, dancers should prepare for minor injuries and have a first-aid kit handy.,Watch the premiere: Catch the drama unfold on ABC and Disney+ on Sept. 15–16.
Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas banged heads during a rehearsal, with Maura jokingly blaming Mark. They also bicker like siblings, according to a source.,Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess also smacked heads, and Sharna revealed Tyler dropped her while trying a new trick.,Ciara Miller (partnered with Brandon Armstrong) said she’s never been so sore and even snapped at her partner after the third practice.,Giada De Laurentiis busted her toe and expects to lose a toenail.,Mark Ballas says he had to learn to trust Maura after their time on *The Traitors*, where they were both Faithfuls but couldn’t fully trust each other.
The physical and emotional toll of *DWTS* rehearsals is no secret, but season 35 seems especially intense. Maura Higgins, known from *Love Island* and *The Traitors*, is paired with pro Mark Ballas. The two have a sibling-like dynamic that leads to snappy exchanges, but Mark insists it’s all love. Maura is reportedly struggling to remember choreography, making rehearsals stressful. Meanwhile, Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess had their own mishap when Sharna was dropped during a trick. Ciara Miller, a former ICU nurse, uses her medical skills to bandage her own feet. The two-night premiere airs Sept. 15 and 16 on ABC and Disney+. Mark Ballas, a three-time Mirrorball champion, emphasizes the importance of trust and having fun, noting that Maura manifested her spot on the show while they were filming *The Traitors*.
Do you think Maura and Mark’s sibling-like bickering will help or hurt their chances? Share your thoughts in the comments! And if you know someone who loves *DWTS* drama, share this article with them so they can stay ahead of the season 35 buzz.
[Share on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=DWTS+Season+35+Rehearsals%3A+Maura+Higgins+and+Mark+Ballas+Bicker+and+Bang+Heads&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yanuki.com%2Fentertainment%2Ftv%2Fdwts-season-35-rehearsals-maura-higgins-mark-ballas-bicker%3Fref%3Dyanuki.com) | [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yanuki.com%2Fentertainment%2Ftv%2Fdwts-season-35-rehearsals-maura-higgins-mark-ballas-bicker%3Fref%3Dyanuki.com&title=DWTS+Season+35+Rehearsals%3A+Maura+Higgins+and+Mark+Ballas+Bicker+and+Bang+Heads) | [Share on Reddit](https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yanuki.com%2Fentertainment%2Ftv%2Fdwts-season-35-rehearsals-maura-higgins-mark-ballas-bicker%3Fref%3Dyanuki.com&title=DWTS+Season+35+Rehearsals%3A+Maura+Higgins+and+Mark+Ballas+Bicker+and+Bang+Heads)
Sources: - [Yahoo Entertainment](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/2-dancing-stars-couples-already-215327659.html?ref=yanuki.com) - [The U.S. Sun](https://www.the-sun.com/tv/17010087/dwts-maura-higgins-feud-mark-ballas-premiere-2026/?ref=yanuki.com) - [TODAY.com](https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/mark-ballas-dancing-with-the-stars-season-35-interview-rcna597337?ref=yanuki.com)
FAQ
When does *Dancing With the Stars* season 35 premiere?
The two-night premiere airs Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
Which couples had the head-bumping incidents?
Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas, and Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess both banged heads during rehearsals.
Is Maura Higgins struggling with rehearsals?
Yes, a source told The U.S. Sun that Maura is struggling to remember choreography, leading to stressful sessions and bickering with Mark Ballas.
Did Mark Ballas and Maura Higgins know each other before *DWTS*?
Yes, they were both contestants on Season 4 of *The Traitors*, where they were Faithfuls but couldn’t fully trust each other due to the game’s deceitful nature.
What dance will Maura and Mark perform for their debut?
They will perform a foxtrot to “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles.
Sources
Canonical URL: /trend/2026/dwts-season-35-rehearsals-maura-higgins-and-mark-ballas-bicker-and-bang-heads
Disclaimer
Digests summarize public sources. They are not advice, forecasts, or a complete record of every trend.
This digest was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.
This digest may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.
Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.