What Happened to Mark Alexander Ballas Jr.?
Mark Ballas is an American professional Latin and ballroom dancer, choreographer, musician, and actor, widely recognized for his extensive career on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," where he secured three Mirrorball trophies. Beyond the ballroom, he has established himself on Broadway in productions like "Jersey Boys" and "Kinky Boots," and as one half of the indie music duo Alexander Jean with his wife, BC Jean. As of mid-2026, Ballas continues to be active in entertainment, notably returning to Broadway in "Chicago" and serving as a judge on the new spin-off series "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro."
Quick Answer
Mark Ballas, the celebrated "Dancing with the Stars" professional, has maintained a dynamic career across dance, music, and theater. After winning his third Mirrorball Trophy in Season 31 (2022) and briefly announcing his retirement, he returned for Season 34 in 2025 and has been actively performing on Broadway, including multiple runs as Billy Flynn in "Chicago" in 2026. Most recently, as of July 13, 2026, Ballas is serving as a judge alongside his mother, Shirley Ballas, on the new ABC spin-off series "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro." He and his wife, BC Jean, also welcomed their son, Banksi Wylde, in November 2023 and are working on new music for their band, Alexander Jean.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Houston, Texas
Mark Alexander Ballas Jr. was born in Houston, Texas, the son of professional ballroom dancers Corky and Shirley Ballas.
Debut on Dancing with the Stars
Mark Ballas joined the cast of ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars' as a professional dancer.
Wins DWTS Season 8 with Shawn Johnson
Ballas secured his second Mirrorball Trophy with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson.
Forms Alexander Jean with BC Jean
Mark Ballas and his future wife, BC Jean, formed the indie music duo Alexander Jean, combining their middle names.
Marries BC Jean
Mark Ballas married singer-songwriter BC Jean in Malibu, California, after getting engaged in November 2015.
Broadway Debut in Jersey Boys
Ballas made his Broadway debut as the final actor to portray Frankie Valli in the original Broadway run of 'Jersey Boys.'
Stars in Kinky Boots on Broadway
He took on the role of Charlie Price in the Broadway production of 'Kinky Boots.'
Experiences Miscarriage with Wife BC Jean
Mark Ballas and BC Jean publicly revealed they experienced a pregnancy loss in 2022, a deeply personal event that influenced their music.
Wins DWTS Season 31 with Charli D'Amelio
Ballas achieved his third Mirrorball Trophy win with social media personality Charli D'Amelio.
Announces Retirement from DWTS
During the 'Dancing with the Stars 2023 Live Tour,' Ballas announced his retirement as a professional dancer from the show after 20 seasons.
Welcomes Son Banksi Wylde Ballas
Mark Ballas and BC Jean welcomed their first child, a son named Banksi Wylde Ballas.
Competes on The Traitors US Season 4 and DWTS Season 34
Ballas joined the cast of Peacock's 'The Traitors US Season 4' and returned to 'Dancing with the Stars' for Season 34, partnering with Whitney Leavitt.
Returns to Broadway in Chicago with Whitney Leavitt
Ballas returned to Broadway to play Billy Flynn in 'Chicago' for a limited engagement, performing alongside his DWTS Season 34 partner Whitney Leavitt.
Judges 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro'
Mark Ballas began serving as a judge on the new ABC spin-off series 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro,' alongside his mother Shirley Ballas.
Begins Another Run as Billy Flynn in Chicago
Ballas is scheduled to return to play Billy Flynn in 'Chicago' on Broadway for another limited engagement from July 20 to August 16, 2026.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Mark Alexander Ballas Jr. began his journey in the performing arts at a young age, training at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts in London, England, where he graduated with honors. This rigorous training laid the foundation for his multifaceted career in dance, music, and acting. He rose to national prominence as a professional dancer on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," joining the show in 2007. Over his tenure, Ballas became an 11-time finalist and a three-time champion, winning with celebrity partners Kristi Yamaguchi (Season 6), Shawn Johnson (Season 8), and Charli D'Amelio (Season 31). His innovative choreography also earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
Beyond the ballroom, Ballas expanded his artistic endeavors into musical theater. He made his Broadway debut in 2016 as the final actor to portray Frankie Valli in "Jersey Boys," a role he later reprised on a national tour. He continued his Broadway presence, starring as Charlie Price in "Kinky Boots" in 2019. In March 2023, after his third "Dancing with the Stars" victory, Ballas announced his retirement from the show, signaling a shift in his career focus.
However, his retirement from "Dancing with the Stars" was not permanent. Ballas returned to the show for Season 34 in 2025, partnering with Whitney Leavitt, and they reached the semifinals. The year 2025 also saw him broaden his reality television horizons by joining the cast of Peacock's "The Traitors US Season 4." In his personal life, Ballas married singer-songwriter BC Jean in 2016, and together they form the indie duo Alexander Jean, which has amassed over 200 million streams worldwide. They welcomed their son, Banksi Wylde Ballas, in November 2023, a joyous event that followed a previously shared experience of miscarriage in 2022.
As of 2026, Mark Ballas remains highly active. He returned to Broadway multiple times in 2026 to play Billy Flynn in "Chicago," including a run from April to May with his Season 34 partner Whitney Leavitt, and a subsequent engagement from July 20 to August 16. Additionally, a significant development in July 2026 is his role as a judge on the new "Dancing with the Stars" spin-off series, "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro," which premiered on July 13, 2026. He is judging alongside his mother, Shirley Ballas, a renowned ballroom legend. Ballas has also teased new music from Alexander Jean, with a new album expected to be rolled out in 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Mark Alexander Ballas Jr. made different choices?