Will Mark Ballas Make a Comeback in Dancing with the Stars Season 35?
Fans of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) are buzzing with anticipation as the show prepares for its 35th season. At the center of the speculation is none other than Mark Ballas, the legendary three-time Mirrorball Trophy winner. But the big question remains: will he return as a professional dancer, or will he stick to the judging panel?
In a recent conversation with USA TODAY, the 40-year-old dancing icon remained cautiously optimistic. While he admitted that the producers are currently in their planning process, Ballas stated, “I’m open to it.” However, the road to the ballroom isn’t without its obstacles.
The Broadway Balancing Act
Before stepping back onto the DWTS floor, Ballas is currently conquering the stage of Broadway’s hit musical “Chicago”. His commitment to the show lasts until August 16, which creates a very tight window for the upcoming season.
With the official DWTS cast reveal set for September 2, the timing is critical. Professional dancers typically begin intense preparations long before the first episode airs, leaving Ballas in a delicate position between the theater lights and the ballroom glitter.
Advice for the New Generation: “The Next Pro”
Beyond his own potential return, Mark Ballas is keeping a close eye on “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.” The competition aims to find a fresh face to join the professional ranks for Season 35. Ballas, who already knows the winner since the competition was pre-taped, offered some sobering advice for the newcomer:
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- The Honeymoon Phase: The first few weeks are all about fun, learning, and excitement.
- The Turning Point: By week six, the atmosphere shifts, and the competition becomes grueling.
- The Intensity: Ballas describes the experience as being “fired out of a cannon,” urging the new pro to be mentally and physically prepared.
With ABC’s Dancing with the Stars now hosted by Season 34 champion Robert Irwin, the energy of the show continues to evolve, and Ballas feels confident that the incoming talent will be well-supported by the seasoned professionals.
A Legacy of Gold and Personal Triumphs
Mark Ballas’s track record is nearly unmatched, having secured the Mirrorball Trophy with Kristi Yamaguchi (2006), Shawn Johnson (2008), and Charli D’Amelio (2022). Interestingly, Ballas revealed that he didn’t keep these trophies in his home until recently. Thanks to a thoughtful Christmas gift from his wife, singer-songwriter BC Jean, his achievements are now proudly displayed in a beautiful living room cabinet.
Celebrating Love and Art
The holiday season wasn’t just about trophies for the Ballas household. Mark also celebrated BC Jean’s incredible songwriting success. He recently gifted her the RIAA certification for the hit song “If I Were a Boy,” which Jean co-wrote with Toby Gad and was famously recorded by Beyoncé. The track has now reached a staggering six-times platinum status.
Ballas spoke warmly of his wife’s humility, noting that she is a carefree artist who rarely celebrates her own milestones, making the gesture all the more special.
What’s Next for Mark Ballas?
Whether he returns as a pro dancer or continues to influence the show as a judge, Mark Ballas remains a cornerstone of the dance community. As September approaches, the world will finally know if he’ll be trading his Broadway shoes for the ballroom floor once again.
