Mark Ballas
A dynamic and innovative dancer who became a fan-favorite professional on 'Dancing with the Stars,' known for his daring choreography and musicality.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American professional dancer and musician·Birthday: May 24·Millennials
Biography
Mark Ballas didn't just dance on 'Dancing with the Stars'; he infused the show with a jolt of creative adrenaline for 15 seasons. Trained from childhood in the rigorous world of competitive Latin and ballroom, Ballas brought a musician's ear and a theatrical flair to the ballroom floor. His partnerships were often marked by a willingness to take big risks, blending street styles, contemporary movement, and pure spectacle into the traditional dance framework. This innovative approach led him to two Mirrorball trophies and an Emmy nomination for choreography. Off the floor, Ballas is a skilled guitarist and vocalist, performing with his own band and showcasing a versatility that extends far beyond the dance studio.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Mark was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mark Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Mark's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 'Dancing with the Stars' competition three times with partners Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, and Charli D'Amelio.
- Received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Choreography for his work on 'Dancing with the Stars'.
- Performed as a professional dancer on the show for 15 consecutive seasons, from 2007 to 2013 and 2015 to 2022.
Did You Know?
He is a trained musician who plays guitar and sings, having released music with his band.
His parents are renowned dance instructors Shirley and Corky Ballas.
He won the International Latin Youth Championship at Blackpool, a major dance competition, as a teenager.
“Choreography is about telling a story with the body's geometry.”
