Mark Ballas
Celebrity Partner:
Melissa Joan Hart
Style:
Latin
Nationality:
American
Did You Know?
He grew up with Julianne and Derek Hough
PROFESSIONAL BIO
CELEBRITY PARTNER: Melissa Joan Hart
BACKGROUND:
Coming from a family of international dance stars, it's no surprise that Mark has two shiny disco ball trophies at home. He even beat out his dad, Corky, and childhood friends, Julianne and Derek Hough, for the wins.
Mark joined the show in Season 5. Despite their stellar performances, he and partner Sabrina Bryan were eliminated in week six. It was so controversial that various websites voted it 2007's Most Shocking TV Moment.
Despite the Season 5 upset, Mark came back to win the DWTS title in Season 6 with partner Kristi Yamaguchi, and again in Season 8 with Shawn Johnson.
Born in Houston, Texas, Mark moved to London with his family as a child and joined the Italia Conti Academy of Dramatic Arts Associate School where his training in acting and singing/dancing began.
He grew up with fellow DWTS pros Derek and Julianne Hough, who lived and trained with his parents. He says they are more like family than friends. "We get along like brother...we fight like brothers." Mark and Julianne partnered to win Junior Latin American and Junior Olympics dance championships.
As an actor, Mark has played the lead in the musical Copacabana. He also took on roles in the UK tour of Maria de Buenos Aires, and was an understudy in the London Palladium production of The Buddy Holly Musical. Plus, maybe you caught his guest star appearance on the 2008 season premiere of Samantha Who?
When he's not dancing, Mark rocks out with Derek in their band Ballas Hough Band. Their fist studio album, BHB, was released in March 2009.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
- British Juvenile Ballroom and Latin American dance champ
- US Open to the World, British Open to the World and International Open to the World Junior Latin American Champ
- Junior Olympics Gold Medal Winner
- British Open to the World, US Open to the World, International Open to the World twice, United Kingdom, Youth Latin American Dance Champion
PRIOR CELEBRITY PARTNERS:
Shawn Johnson
Kim Kardashian
Kristi Yamaguchi
