Mark Ballas Bio: Age, Career, Dancing with the Stars & More
Mark Ballas is an American dancer, choreographer, singer, musician, actor, and television personality. He gained worldwide recognition through Dancing with the Stars (DWTS).
Over the years, Ballas has built an impressive career across television, Broadway, music, and professional dance. He also became one of the most successful professionals in Dancing with the Stars history.
As of 2026, Ballas remains closely connected to the franchise. He serves as a judge on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. He has also returned as a professional dancer for Dancing with the Stars Season 35.
Mark Ballas was born on May 24, 1986, in Houston, Texas. His birth name is Mark Alexander Corky Ballas Jr.
He grew up surrounded by professional dancers and performers. His parents, Corky Ballas and Shirley Ballas, both built careers in competitive ballroom dancing.
Therefore, dance became an important part of Mark’s childhood. He trained at his parents’ dance studio and developed his skills from an early age.
Ballas later attended the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts in London. He graduated with honors after developing his abilities in dance and performance.
His training eventually prepared him for television, theater, choreography, and music.
Mark Ballas Age
Mark Ballas is 40 years old as of 2026. He celebrates his birthday on May 24.
His decades-long career shows how early training can create a lasting entertainment career. Moreover, he continues to perform and create new projects.
Mark Ballas’ Family and Parents
Mark comes from a highly accomplished dance family.
His father, Corky Ballas, became an accomplished Latin dancer and instructor. His mother, Shirley Ballas, became a celebrated ballroom dancer, teacher, and judge.
Shirley later became widely recognized through the British version of Strictly Come Dancing. She also appears alongside Mark on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.
Mark therefore developed his dancing skills within a highly competitive environment.
His family also had connections with other prominent dancers. Derek Hough and Julianne Hough trained with the Ballas family during their younger years.
Mark Ballas and Dancing with the Stars
Mark Ballas made his Dancing with the Stars debut in 2007. He quickly established himself as one of the show’s standout professional dancers.
His creative choreography and strong partnerships helped him become a fan favorite.
Ballas won the competition three times during his career. His victories came with Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, and Charli D’Amelio.
He also reached the finals 11 times, according to ABC’s official biography. Furthermore, his choreography earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
His success made him one of the most accomplished professionals in the show’s history.
Mark Ballas and Kristi Yamaguchi
During Season 6, Ballas partnered with Olympic figure skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi.
The pair delivered consistently strong performances throughout the competition. They eventually won the season’s coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
This victory marked Ballas’ first Dancing with the Stars championship.
Mark Ballas and Shawn Johnson
Ballas later partnered with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson during Season 8.
Their partnership became another major success for the professional dancer. They won the competition on May 19, 2009.
The victory gave Ballas his second Mirrorball Trophy.
Mark Ballas and Charli D’Amelio
Ballas returned to the show as a professional partner for Season 31.
He danced with social media star Charli D’Amelio, who quickly became one of the season’s strongest competitors.
Their partnership produced technically impressive performances throughout the season. Ultimately, Ballas and D’Amelio won the Mirrorball Trophy.
The victory became Ballas’ third DWTS championship.
Mark Ballas Returns to Dancing with the Stars in 2026
In 2026, Ballas returned to the ballroom for Dancing with the Stars Season 35.
ABC confirmed that he would partner with reality television personality Maura Higgins.
Higgins previously appeared on Love Island and later competed on The Traitors. She also worked with Ballas during the fourth season of the U.S. version of The Traitors.
Their DWTS partnership adds another chapter to Ballas’ long television career.
Season 35 is scheduled to premiere on September 15 and 16, 2026, on ABC.
Mark Ballas as a Judge
Ballas expanded his role within the franchise in 2026.
He joined Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro as a judge. The series focuses on professional dancers competing for opportunities within the DWTS world.
His experience gives him a unique perspective on choreography, technique, performance, and partnership.
Interestingly, his mother Shirley Ballas also serves as a judge on the series. Their mother-and-son dynamic has created memorable moments during judging sessions.
The role allows Mark to mentor and evaluate dancers rather than simply compete alongside celebrities.
Mark Ballas’ Broadway Career
Mark Ballas has also achieved success in musical theater.
He made his Broadway debut as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys in 2016. He later performed the role during a national tour and at The Muny in St. Louis.
Ballas then took on another major Broadway role in Kinky Boots. He played Charlie Price in the production during 2019.
His theater career demonstrates his versatility beyond ballroom dancing.
In 2026, Ballas continued his Broadway journey by taking on the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago. ABC describes this as his third Broadway role.
Mark Ballas’ Music Career
Ballas has also developed a career as a musician and songwriter.
He plays guitar and works as a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He trained in classical Flamenco guitar during his early years.
He previously performed with the Ballas Hough Band, which included his friend Derek Hough. The group released its album BHB in 2009.
However, one of his most important musical projects came through his marriage.
Mark Ballas and BC Jean
Mark Ballas married singer-songwriter BC Jean on November 25, 2016.
The couple created the musical duo Alexander Jean in 2015. They have combined their musical talents to build a successful independent music career.
BC Jean co-wrote Beyoncé’s global hit “If I Were a Boy.” Meanwhile, Alexander Jean has developed its own audience through original songs and covers.
According to ABC, the duo has generated more than 200 million streams worldwide. Their debut single, Roses and Violets, reached the Top 10 on the overall iTunes chart.
Their cover of Sex and Candy also became a major social media success.
The song generated more than 100 million views and inspired hundreds of thousands of user-generated videos.
Mark Ballas Wife and Children
Mark Ballas’ wife is BC Jean, a professional singer and songwriter.
The couple married in 2016 after building both a romantic and creative partnership.
They welcomed their son, Banksi Wylde Ballas, in 2023. Their son marked an important new chapter for the couple and their families.
Ballas continues to balance family life with his demanding entertainment career.
Mark Ballas Acting Career
Ballas has also appeared in television and other entertainment productions.
He earned acting credits in projects such as Samantha Who? and Melissa & Joey. His television work complements his experience as a dancer and choreographer.
His stage experience also strengthened his acting abilities. Consequently, Ballas developed into a genuine multi-hyphenate entertainer.
Mark Ballas’ Awards and Achievements
Mark Ballas has earned several major accomplishments throughout his career.
His most notable achievements include:
- Three Dancing with the Stars championships
- 11 DWTS finals appearances
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for choreography
- Two World Choreography Awards
- Broadway roles in Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, and Chicago
- More than 200 million streams with Alexander Jean
- Professional success as a dancer, choreographer, musician, and actor
These accomplishments highlight the breadth of his career.
What Is Mark Ballas Doing Now?
In 2026, Mark Ballas remains active across several areas of entertainment.
He serves as a judge on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. At the same time, he has returned as a professional dancer for DWTS Season 35.
His current celebrity partner is Maura Higgins.
Ballas also continues performing on Broadway as Billy Flynn in Chicago. Furthermore, Alexander Jean has new music planned for 2026.
He currently divides his time between New York City and Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark Ballas
How old is Mark Ballas?
Mark Ballas is 40 years old in 2026. He was born on May 24, 1986.
Who is Mark Ballas’ wife?
Mark Ballas is married to singer-songwriter BC Jean. They married in November 2016.
How many times has Mark Ballas won DWTS?
Mark Ballas has won Dancing with the Stars three times. His winning partners included Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, and Charli D’Amelio.
Who is Mark Ballas’ partner on DWTS Season 35?
Mark Ballas is partnered with Maura Higgins for Dancing with the Stars Season 35.
Does Mark Ballas have children?
Yes. Mark Ballas and BC Jean have a son named Banksi Wylde Ballas, born in 2023.
What is Mark Ballas doing in 2026?
In 2026, Ballas works as a DWTS professional dancer and Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro judge. He also performs on Broadway and continues his music career.
Final Thoughts
Mark Ballas has created a remarkable career through dance, music, acting, choreography, and theater.
His journey began with ballroom training and eventually reached television, Broadway, and the music industry.
Moreover, his three DWTS victories established him among the show’s most successful professional dancers.
His return for Season 35 adds another exciting chapter to his television career. Meanwhile, his judging role shows his growing influence within the DWTS franchise.
With Broadway performances and new Alexander Jean music also continuing, Ballas remains a versatile entertainment figure.
His ability to combine technical dance skills with music and theatrical creativity keeps his career relevant in 2026.
