Reality Stars Shared Dancing With the Stars Experiences
TV personalities Alix Earle and Maura Higgins discussed the demands of training and competition on the dance show.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Dancing
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Alix Earle and Maura Higgins recently compared their experiences on Dancing With the Stars during an appearance on the YouTube series Get Real With Me. The pair discussed the intensive nature of participating in the competition.
Why it matters
Understanding the intense physical and mental commitment required for reality television competitions can provide viewers with better context for the performance standards seen on screen. This discussion highlights the rigorous feedback loops contestants face while filming 24/7.
This discussion features accounts from two participants who competed in Seasons 34 and 35, where dancers are subjected to 24/7 filming and continuous judge evaluations. The findings remain limited to self-reported experiences regarding the physical and mental demands of the show.
The players
Alix Earle
A television personality and model who finished in second place on Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars.
Maura Higgins
A television personality and cast member of Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars partnered with Mark Ballas.
Val Chmerkovskiy
A professional dancer and choreographer who served as a partner for Alix Earle on Season 34.
Mark Ballas
A professional dancer and choreographer partnered with Maura Higgins for the 35th season of the competition.
The details
Contestants on the show undergo a grueling schedule where they film interviews and appear on camera around the clock. During this process, they receive constant feedback from judges that dictates their performance progression. Higgins, who is currently partnered with Mark Ballas, expects that future competition weeks will require even stricter adherence to technical routines.
Timeline
Alix Earle made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2024.
Alix Earle participated in an SI Swimsuit photo shoot in 2025.
Maura Higgins joined the SI Swimsuit Runway Show in the summer of 2026.
Alix Earle landed her first in-print SI Swimsuit cover in 2026.
Earle and Higgins discussed their dance competition experiences in October 2026.
Health Landscape
The experience of these participants reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny on the health and mental wellness of reality television contestants. These accounts underscore how continuous filming and professional performance requirements shape the lived experience of those in high-profile media roles.
While competitive dance can be an excellent physical workout, viewers should recognize that the high-stakes environment seen on television is not a typical reflection of recreational exercise. If you are starting a new dance fitness routine, consult your doctor to ensure the intensity level is safe for your body.
The takeaway
High-intensity performance environments require significant mental and physical stamina that differs greatly from casual recreational activity. Always focus on personal progress rather than comparing your fitness journey to the curated results presented by television personalities.
Further reading
For more on the physical demands of performative hobbies, see our coverage in Dancing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
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Do you believe reality competition shows are generally a positive experience for the participants involved?
