Mark Ballas, born on May 24, 1986, is a professional dancer, choreographer, singer-songwriter, and actor from Houston, Texas. He is best known for his appearances on the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars, where he has won two Mirrorball trophies with his celebrity partners. But before he became a household name, Mark Ballas was just a young boy with a passion for dance.
Early Years and Family Background
Mark Ballas was born into a family of dancers. His parents, Corky and Shirley Ballas, were both competitive ballroom dancers, and Mark grew up watching them perform and compete. His paternal grandfather, George Ballas, was also a famous dancer and invented the Weed Eater lawn trimming device.
Mark began dancing when he was just three years old, and his parents started teaching him ballroom dancing when he was six. He quickly became a talented dancer and started competing in ballroom dancing competitions when he was just eight years old.
Education and Early Career
Mark Ballas attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London when he was 11 years old. He studied acting, singing, and dancing, and he also played the lead role in the school's production of the musical Oliver!.
After graduating from high school, Mark moved to London to pursue a career in dance. He performed in several West End productions, including the musicals Copacabana and Jesus Christ Superstar. He also appeared in the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as a Hogwarts schoolboy.
Rise to Fame on Dancing with the Stars
In 2005, Mark Ballas auditioned for the second season of Dancing with the Stars, and he was selected to be one of the professional dancers on the show. He has since appeared on 20 seasons of the show, and he has won two Mirrorball trophies with his celebrity partners, Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and actress Jennifer Grey.
Mark is known for his innovative choreography and his willingness to take risks on the dance floor. He has also become a fan favorite, thanks to his charming personality and his close relationships with his celebrity partners.
Other Endeavors
Mark Ballas is not just a dancer. He is also a talented singer-songwriter and has released several albums, including HurtLoveBox and Kicking Clouds. He has also acted in several TV shows and movies, including Samantha Who?, Melissa & Joey, and the upcoming movie Breaking Brooklyn.
In addition to his entertainment career, Mark is also a philanthropist. He has worked with several charities, including the American Cancer Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Starlight Children's Foundation.
Personal Life
Mark Ballas married his longtime girlfriend, BC Jean, in November 2016. BC Jean is also a singer-songwriter and has written songs for several famous artists, including Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera.
Mark and BC Jean often collaborate on music projects together, and they have released several singles as a duo. They also frequently perform together at live shows and events.
Conclusion
Mark Ballas may have started his career as a young boy with a passion for dance, but he has since become a multi-talented performer and philanthropist. From his early years training in ballroom dancing to his current success on Dancing with the Stars and beyond, Mark has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. We can't wait to see what he does next!