Mark Ballas, a familiar face to 'Dancing with the Stars' fans, is taking on a new role as a judge for 'DWTS: The Next Pro.' This competition series features 12 international dancers vying for a spot as a professional on 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 35. Ballas is joined at the judges' table by his mother, Shirley Ballas, who has served as the head judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing' for nine years.
Ballas expressed enthusiasm for his mother's participation, stating that "you couldn’t find a judge for DWTS: The Next Pro who loves the art of dancing as much as my mom." He described her feedback as "direct, firm, and honest," qualities he values in the competitive dance world. Ballas also highlighted the benefit of having rotating guest judges each week, noting that "it keeps things fresh" and allows for fresh perspectives on the contestants' performances.
A Shared Passion, Different Perspectives
Describing the experience of judging with his mother, Ballas called it "very cool to have both our viewpoints." He explained that while he and his mother share a deep passion for dance, their judging styles can differ. Shirley Ballas's experience is primarily rooted in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' format, whereas Mark Ballas has spent over 20 seasons as a pro on 'Dancing With The Stars.'
"I have walked in those contestant shoes," Ballas said, referring to his experience as a performer. "I know what it feels like to be in that ballroom and have a routine not hit as hard as you were hoping." He believes this firsthand knowledge allows him to connect with the contestants differently than his mother, who he notes "looks at these routines just from a technical and creative standpoint."
Ballas also praised the hosting skills of 'DWTS' Season 34 champion Robert Irwin, calling him "an excellent host" who brings great energy to the show. He also commended fellow judges Brandon Armstrong and Britt Stewart for sharing their expertise, noting that the rotating judging panel keeps the competition dynamic.
Return to Broadway
In addition to his 'DWTS' duties, Ballas is also returning to Broadway, reprising his role as Billy Flynn in the long-running musical 'Chicago.' This marks his second stint as Flynn, performing until August 16. Ballas, who studied musical theater, considers playing Billy Flynn a lifelong dream, especially in the longest-running American musical.
He noted that his first run in 'Chicago' was shorter than he would have liked, making his return particularly meaningful. Ballas shared that the theatrical nature of many of his past 'Dancing with the Stars' routines, including dances set to music from 'Wicked' and 'Hamilton,' prepared him for his Broadway role. He also expressed his excitement about performing alongside new cast members, allowing him to "discover new things with new people with every performance."
Ballas previously performed with his 'DWTS' Season 34 partner Whitney Leavitt in 'Chicago,' a unique experience for a former 'DWTS' couple.
Looking Ahead
As 'DWTS: The Next Pro' progresses, Ballas anticipates the competition intensifying. He noted that as viewers become more familiar with the contestants, the stakes will rise. The aspiring pros will face increasingly demanding challenges, mirroring the escalating difficulty seen in 'Dancing with the Stars' seasons.
"The dancing load gets heavier," Ballas stated, forecasting a more intense phase of the competition. "It’s really cute until Week 5 or 6. Then you have two dances and then an instant dance and then a team dance and the marathon dance and so on."