# Maura and Mark shut down DWTS tension rumors

> The Dancing With the Stars pair addressed claims of on-set friction after delivering a standout performance.
- Title: Maura and Mark shut down DWTS tension rumors · Cosmopolitan
- Summary: The Dancing With the Stars pair addressed claims of on-set friction after delivering a standout performance. Despite reports of rehearsal stress, Maura…
- Keywords: maura higgins, mark ballas, dancing with the stars, dwts, tension rumors, foxtrot, the traitors, choreography, ballroom dancing, Maura, Mark, shut
- Source: Cosmopolitan — https://cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a73771490/maura-higgins-mark-ballas-dancing-with-the-stars-tension
- Author: Mehera  Bonner
- Published: 2026-09-17T12:10:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: maura higgins, mark ballas, dancing with the stars, dwts, tension rumors, foxtrot, the traitors, choreography, ballroom dancing
## Maura and Mark ace their foxtrot
The pair performed to Alannah Myles' Black Velvet and earned the night's highest score, proving their partnership is working.
## They address the tension talk
During post-episode press, Maura and Mark displayed genuine warmth and friendship, making it clear they're getting along better than ever.
## Maura credits Mark's support
On Good Morning America, Maura revealed she was extremely nervous before the dance, but Mark helped her regain confidence and she credited him for their great score.

> Mark spoke to me and the life came back a little bit then.
## Reports claimed rehearsal struggles
A source told The Sun that Maura struggled to remember choreography, leading to stressful rehearsals, though she and Mark have a brother-sister dynamic.

> She is struggling to remember her choreography which has made for some stressful rehearsals.
## Both underestimated the difficulty
The source noted that Maura and Mark overestimated her ballroom abilities, making the competition harder than expected, but their bickering was always rooted in wanting her to succeed.

> They bicker but it's all love at the end of the day because he wants her to do well.
## Key takeaway

Despite reports of rehearsal stress, Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas showed genuine friendship and chemistry during their post-performance interviews.