Mark Ballas is once again making headlines in the entertainment world. The professional dancer, choreographer, musician, and actor has built a successful career through his performances on Dancing With the Stars, Broadway appearances, and music projects with his wife, BC Jean.
In 2026, Ballas is enjoying another busy year. He returned to the ballroom for Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, partnered with reality television personality Maura Higgins, and continued exploring new opportunities in television and theater.
For longtime fans, Ballas is much more than a talented dancer. His creative choreography, energetic performances, and ability to connect with celebrity partners have made him one of the show’s memorable professional performers.
Who Is Mark Ballas?
Mark Ballas, whose full name is Mark Alexander Ballas Jr., was born on May 24, 1986, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in a family with a strong connection to ballroom dancing and performing arts.
His parents, Corky Ballas and Shirley Ballas, are accomplished dancers. Their influence helped introduce Mark to dance at an early age and encouraged him to develop his own skills.
Ballas later trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where he studied performance and developed his abilities in dance, music, and acting.
His professional career eventually expanded beyond competitive dancing. Today, he is known for his work as a choreographer, singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and television personality.
According to his official ABC biography, Ballas became an 11-time finalist and three-time champion during his years on Dancing With the Stars.
Mark Ballas Returns to Dancing With the Stars in 2026
One of the biggest developments in Mark Ballas’s career is his return to Dancing With the Stars for Season 35.
This season, Ballas is partnered with Maura Higgins, the reality television star known for her appearances on Love Island UK and The Traitors.
The partnership brings together Ballas’s experience in ballroom choreography and Higgins’s growing confidence on the dance floor. Their performances have attracted attention from viewers following the latest season.
Ballas is known for creating routines that combine technical dance skills with storytelling and theatrical elements. Instead of relying on basic choreography, he often looks for creative ways to make each performance memorable.
His work with Higgins also reflects his ability to guide celebrity partners through the challenges of competitive ballroom dancing.
For fans who wondered whether Ballas would return after his previous seasons, his participation in Season 35 has provided an exciting answer.
Mark Ballas and His Three Dancing With the Stars Victories
Ballas first joined Dancing With the Stars as a professional dancer in 2007. He quickly established himself as a competitive performer and creative choreographer.
Over the years, he won the Mirrorball Trophy three times with different celebrity partners.
His championship partners were:
- Kristi Yamaguchi: The Olympic figure skater won Season 6 with Ballas in 2008.
- Shawn Johnson: The Olympic gymnast won Season 8 with Ballas in 2009.
- Charli D’Amelio: The social media personality won Season 31 with Ballas in 2022.
Each partnership showcased a different combination of athleticism, performance ability, and choreography.
His work with Charli D’Amelio was particularly memorable because their routines connected with a younger audience while maintaining the technical standards of ballroom competition.
Ballas has also received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography, further demonstrating his impact on television dance.
Who Is Mark Ballas’s Wife, BC Jean?
Mark Ballas’s wife is BC Jean, a singer-songwriter whose professional career complements his own creative interests.
The couple began dating in 2012 and formed the musical duo Alexander Jean in 2015. They married on November 25, 2016, in Malibu, California.
BC Jean is also known for co-writing Beyoncé’s hit song “If I Were a Boy.” Her songwriting background has helped shape the couple’s musical collaborations.
As Alexander Jean, the pair combine pop-rock influences with original songwriting and vocal performances. Their music has attracted a substantial online audience, and several songs have gained popularity on streaming platforms and social media.
Their relationship is built around both family life and shared creative work. Rather than keeping their professional interests separate, they frequently collaborate on music and support each other’s performances.
Ballas has spoken positively about his marriage, describing the value of sharing life with someone who understands his creative ambitions.
Does Mark Ballas Have Children?
Yes. Mark Ballas and BC Jean have one son, Banksi Wylde Ballas, who was born on November 5, 2023.
The couple occasionally shares glimpses of family life, although they generally keep their son out of the constant spotlight.
Becoming a father has added another dimension to Ballas’s life outside entertainment. Alongside his demanding schedule, he balances his professional responsibilities with time spent with his wife and son.
His career often involves rehearsals, performances, travel, and long working hours. Having a family while continuing to pursue these opportunities requires careful planning and support.
Mark Ballas’s Broadway Career and Other Projects
Although many fans know Ballas primarily from Dancing With the Stars, his stage career has also become an important part of his professional life.
He made his Broadway debut in Jersey Boys in 2016, playing Frankie Valli. He later appeared in Kinky Boots as Charlie Price.
In 2026, Ballas returned to Broadway as Billy Flynn in the long-running musical Chicago. He also reunited professionally with former Dancing With the Stars partner Whitney Leavitt during a limited run of the production.
His stage experience highlights his versatility as a performer. Musical theater requires acting, singing, timing, and movement, allowing Ballas to use skills developed throughout his career.
He has also expanded into reality television beyond the ballroom. In 2025, he joined the cast of The Traitors US Season 4, bringing his competitive instincts to a different kind of television challenge.
In 2026, he served as a judge on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, a competition designed to discover emerging professional dancers.
Mark Ballas: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Mark Alexander Ballas Jr. |
| Date of birth | May 24, 1986 |
| Age in October 2026 | 40 |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas |
| Profession | Dancer, choreographer, musician, actor |
| Wife | BC Jean |
| Child | One son, Banksi Wylde Ballas |
| Famous television show | Dancing With the Stars |
| Mirrorball Trophy wins | Three |
| Music group | Alexander Jean |
| Broadway credits | Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, Chicago |
What Is Next for Mark Ballas?
With Dancing With the Stars Season 35, Broadway performances, and new music on the horizon, Ballas continues to explore different sides of his career.
His work with Maura Higgins offers another opportunity to demonstrate his choreography skills, while his role on The Next Pro allows him to help guide the next generation of dancers.
Meanwhile, Alexander Jean is expected to release new music in 2026, giving fans another reason to follow his work outside television.
Ballas’s career demonstrates how performers can build long-term success by developing multiple talents rather than remaining limited to one role.
1. How old is Mark Ballas in 2026?
Mark Ballas is 40 years old as of October 2026. He was born on May 24, 1986.
2. Who is Mark Ballas married to?
He is married to singer-songwriter BC Jean. The couple tied the knot in November 2016.
3. How many times has Mark Ballas won Dancing With the Stars?
Ballas has won the Mirrorball Trophy three times, with Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, and Charli D’Amelio.
4. Who is Mark Ballas partnered with on Dancing With the Stars Season 35?
He is partnered with reality television personality Maura Higgins in Season 35.
5. Does Mark Ballas have a child?
Yes. He and BC Jean have a son named Banksi Wylde Ballas, born in November 2023.
Mark Ballas remains a versatile figure in American entertainment. From his three Dancing With the Stars championships to his Broadway performances and musical partnership with BC Jean, he has built a career that reaches well beyond the ballroom.
His return for Season 35 in 2026, alongside Maura Higgins, has brought him back into the spotlight. With television, theater, and music all part of his professional life, Ballas continues to show why audiences have followed his journey for nearly two decades.