Mark Alexander Ballas Jr., born on May 24, 1986, is a versatile and celebrated American entertainer. Renowned for his extraordinary talents as a dancer, choreographer, singer-songwriter, musician, and actor, Ballas rose to stardom as a professional dancer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
Over 15 years on the show, from 2007 to 2022, he became a fan favorite, securing three championship titles.
Among his memorable victories were his partnerships with figure skating icon Kristi Yamaguchi in Season 6, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson in Season 8, and social media sensation Charli D’Amelio in Season 31.
Recently, Ballas delighted fans by addressing his unique accent in a charming video alongside his mother, Shirley Ballas.
With a playful mix of British and American influences, his accent has often sparked curiosity. In the video, Shirley affectionately defended her son’s linguistic quirks, adding to the family’s endearing appeal.
Mark’s artistic roots run deep, thanks to the rich heritage and influence of his parents. Shirley Ballas, a ballroom dancing legend, and Corky Ballas, a professional dancer and musician, have played a pivotal role in shaping his remarkable career. Read on to learn more about the talented duo behind Mark Ballas Jr.’s journey to success!
Meet Mark Ballas’ parents Shirley and Corky Ballas
Mark Ballas’ success as a multi-talented performer is deeply rooted in the extraordinary legacy of his parents, Shirley and Corky Ballas. Both are icons in the world of dance, bringing unique skills and influence to their son’s journey.
Corky comes from a family steeped in artistry and innovation. His father, George Ballas, was not only a dance pioneer who owned one of the world’s largest dance studios, Dance City USA, but also the inventor of the Weed Eater, revolutionizing lawn care.
Corky’s mother was a renowned Flamenco dancer who trained under the legendary Carmen Amaya in Spain.
A celebrated professional dancer in his own right, Corky excelled in Latin dance and became a prominent coach. His legacy shines through his son, Mark, who has carried on the family tradition, gaining fame on Dancing with the Stars.
Born Shirley Annette Rich on September 6, 1960, Shirley is a distinguished English ballroom dancer, teacher, and television personality. Raised in Wallasey, England, she began dancing at the age of seven and quickly rose to prominence in competitive Latin dance.
Nicknamed “The Queen of Latin,” Shirley has won numerous championships, including multiple Professional Latin titles at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival.
In 1985, Shirley married Corky Ballas, with whom she had her only child, Mark. The couple danced together professionally until their divorce in 2007.
Shirley’s career flourished as she transitioned into coaching and education, becoming one of the world’s top ballroom and Latin dance teachers.
Since 2017, Shirley has served as the head judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, earning acclaim for her expertise and charisma.
Beyond television, she has authored books on dance and remains a vital figure in mentoring aspiring dancers worldwide.
So, Shirley and Corky Ballas have left an indelible mark on the dance world. Their passion, dedication, and achievements continue to inspire, with their son Mark embodying the rich tradition they established. The Ballas family’s impact on dance spans generations, solidifying their place in its history.
