Mark Ballas Jr. was born on May 24, 1986, in Houston, Texas, into a family where dance wasn’t just an art—it was a way of life. His parents, Corky Ballas and Shirley Ballas, are both internationally known ballroom dancers, making Mark’s early exposure to music and performance practically inevitable.
From a young age, Mark showed signs that he was going to do something special. His father, of Greek and Mexican descent, and his English mother nurtured his creative instincts. By age 11, he had already earned a full scholarship to the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where he studied dance, acting, and music.
His grandfather, George Ballas, was also an innovator—he invented the Weed Eater, proving that creativity ran deep in the Ballas bloodline.
Quick Bio
Full Name | Mark Alexander Ballas Jr. |
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Birthdate | May 24, 1986 |
Age | 39 (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | Houston, Texas, USA |
Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Greek, Mexican, English |
Profession | Dancer, Choreographer, Musician |
Years Active | 2007 – present |
Spouse | BC Jean (m. 2016) |
Children | 1 son (Banksi, born 2023) |
Net Worth | Approx. $4 million |
@markballas |
Humble Physique, Powerful Presence
Mark stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) tall, shorter than many of his stage peers, but his stature never limited his ability to captivate audiences. Instead, his energy, footwork, and undeniable charisma more than compensate for any physical expectations.
He has always carried an athletic build—trim, toned, and well-suited to the demands of ballroom dancing and Broadway roles alike. His on-stage presence is rooted not just in skill, but in a quiet confidence that he brings to every step.
Rise to Fame on Dancing with the Stars
Mark made his television breakthrough on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) in 2007, and over the next 15 years, he became one of the most beloved professional dancers on the show. His choreography, stage presence, and charisma won him legions of fans—and three Mirrorball Trophies.
He won Season 6 with Kristi Yamaguchi, Season 8 with Shawn Johnson, and most recently, Season 31 with Charli D’Amelio. These victories, along with several strong finishes with other celebrity partners, made him one of the most decorated male pros in the show’s history.
Mark was also nominated for an Emmy Award in 2011 for Outstanding Choreography, a sign of the industry’s respect for his creative approach.
A Musician at Heart
While most fans recognize Mark from dance, music has always been his other passion. He began playing guitar at a young age and was heavily influenced by classic rock and singer-songwriter styles. This love evolved into a professional endeavor when he formed the Ballas Hough Band with fellow DWTS pro Derek Hough.
Their band released an album in 2009 and performed on various TV platforms. After the group disbanded, Mark focused more on solo music and songwriting, eventually finding something even more powerful—a musical partnership with his wife.
In 2015, he and singer BC Jean formed the duo Alexander Jean. Their debut single “Roses and Violets” made waves on iTunes, and they’ve since released several chart-topping EPs. Their work blends raw emotion, acoustic elements, and harmonies that reflect their real-life chemistry.
Love, Marriage, and Parenthood
Mark began dating BC Jean—best known for writing Beyoncé’s hit “If I Were a Boy”—in 2012. The couple got engaged in 2015 and married the following year in a private ceremony in Malibu.
Their relationship goes beyond romance; it’s a creative partnership built on shared passion and deep emotional connection. Together, they’ve faced both joyful and difficult milestones. In 2022, they shared their experience with miscarriage through their song “Rainbow,” a deeply personal and healing piece that resonated with many fans.
In November 2023, they welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Banksi, adding a new chapter to their journey. Parenthood has brought a new rhythm to Mark’s life—one filled with lullabies, family time, and inspiration.
From Broadway to the Big Screen
Mark’s talents extend beyond the dance floor and music studio. He has also built a respectable resume in theater and acting. He starred as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys on Broadway and played Charlie Price in Kinky Boots—two demanding roles that showcased his range as a performer.
His stage experience includes productions like Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Maria de Buenos Aires, and Copacabana. These roles allowed him to blend his musical skills, acting talent, and stage presence into fully realized performances.
In film, Mark had a minor role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as a Hufflepuff student and has made appearances in shows like Samantha Who? and other small-screen projects.
Mark Ballas Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Mark Ballas’s estimated net worth is around $4 million. His wealth is the result of his diversified career: television, music, theater, choreography, and brand collaborations.
Unlike many in the entertainment industry, Mark keeps a low-key and creative lifestyle. He splits his time between family life, studio sessions with BC Jean, and occasional stage performances. He’s not the type to chase headlines—he prefers meaningful, soul-driven work that connects with people.
Social Media and Fan Engagement
Mark maintains a strong presence on Instagram (@markballas) and X (formerly Twitter), where he shares slices of his personal life, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on his music. His posts reflect his identity: heartfelt, grounded, and real.
He doesn’t flood his followers with polished promotions. Instead, he posts fatherhood updates, songwriting clips, and candid throwbacks. His approach to social media is authentic and engaging, keeping fans connected without ever feeling like he’s putting on a show.
Fun Facts About Mark Ballas
- Performer of the Year: At Italia Conti Academy, he was awarded Performer of the Year—a sign of things to come.
- Weed Eater Legacy: His grandfather, George Ballas, invented the Weed Eater, making him the grandson of an inventor!
- Multi-talented: In addition to dancing and music, Mark can act, direct, and write songs—his skill set is unusually diverse.
- DWTS Record: He’s one of only a few male pros to win the Mirrorball Trophy three times.
- Creative Partner in Life: His musical work with BC Jean has landed them on iTunes charts and earned a spot in Billboard’s DeLeón 100 list.
What Sets Mark Ballas Apart
Mark Ballas isn’t just a dancer or musician or actor. He’s a creative force who moves between art forms with purpose and passion. Whether choreographing a show-stopping dance number or writing a soul-stirring song, he leads with emotion and authenticity.
His journey reflects resilience—overcoming heartbreak, changing careers, and continuing to evolve as a person and artist. Through it all, Mark remains deeply human, grounded, and inspiring, which is why he resonates so deeply with fans.
Final Thoughts
In a world of performers who often follow trends, Mark Ballas follows his heart. From the polished ballroom floors of Dancing with the Stars to candlelit songwriting sessions with his wife, he blends talent with sincerity.
He may not chase celebrity headlines, but his quiet brilliance continues to leave a lasting impact on dance, music, and storytelling. Mark Ballas is proof that being multi-talented isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing it all with heart.
FAQ’S
1. How many times has Mark Ballas won Dancing with the Stars?
Mark Ballas has won Dancing with the Stars three times. He took home the Mirrorball Trophy in Seasons 6, 8, and 31, partnering with Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, and Charli D’Amelio
2. Who is Mark Ballas married to?
Mark is married to BC Jean, a singer-songwriter best known for writing Beyoncé’s “If I Were a Boy.” Together, they also perform as the musical duo Alexander Jean.
3. What is Mark Ballas’s net worth?
As of 2025, Mark Ballas has an estimated net worth of around $4 million, earned through his work in television, Broadway, music, and choreography.
4. Does Mark Ballas have any children?
Yes, Mark and BC Jean welcomed their first child, a son named Banksi, in November 2023. The couple has shared their parenthood journey with warmth and openness.