Mark Ballas’ mother is Shirley Ballas, the celebrated British ballroom dancer and head judge of Strictly Come Dancing. Known internationally as the “Queen of Latin,” Shirley has spent decades building an extraordinary career as a professional dancer, coach and television personality.
Her connection to Dancing with the Stars extends beyond being Mark’s mother. She has trained several of the show’s most recognizable professionals, including Derek Hough and Julianne Hough, and has appeared as a guest judge on the American competition.
In October 2026, Shirley Ballas returned to the spotlight through her involvement with Dancing with the Stars season 35, bringing her extensive ballroom experience to American television audiences.
Who Is Mark Ballas’ Mom?
Shirley Ballas is a British ballroom dancing champion, instructor and television judge who became famous for her exceptional achievements in Latin dance competitions.
She was born on September 6, 1960, in Wallasey, England, and turned 66 in September 2026.
Shirley began dancing at a young age and developed the technical abilities that eventually made her one of the most respected figures in competitive ballroom dancing.
Her career has included international championships, professional coaching and television judging.
Although many American viewers recognize her as Mark Ballas’ mother, Shirley established her reputation in ballroom dancing long before her son’s television success.
Queen of Latin
Shirley Ballas earned the nickname “Queen of Latin” because of her remarkable achievements in competitive Latin ballroom dancing.
Her success included winning prestigious championships and competing against leading dancers from around the world.
She became a three-time British Open to the World Latin champion, a major accomplishment in professional ballroom competition.
The British Open Championships, held in Blackpool, are among the most respected events in international ballroom dancing.
Shirley’s competitive achievements helped establish her authority as a teacher and judge.
Her understanding of technique, musical interpretation and performance has remained central to her professional reputation.
Early Dance Career
Shirley’s passion for dancing developed during childhood in England.
She trained intensively and began participating in competitive events while still young.
By her early twenties, she had achieved significant international success and established herself among the leading performers in Latin ballroom dancing.
Her career required years of demanding practice, international travel and competition.
After becoming an accomplished professional dancer, Shirley gradually expanded her work into coaching.
She began sharing her experience with younger dancers, helping develop performers who would eventually become internationally recognized television personalities.
Marriage to Corky Ballas
Shirley Ballas was married to professional ballroom dancer Corky Ballas from 1985 until their divorce in 2007.
Corky is an American dancer and instructor who also built a successful career in competitive ballroom dancing.
The couple shared a professional interest in dance and worked within the international ballroom community.
Their marriage brought together two experienced performers whose careers involved training, competitions and coaching.
Although their relationship eventually ended, both remained associated with professional dancing.
Their son, Mark, followed the same career path and eventually became one of America’s best-known television dancers.
Her Son Mark Ballas
Mark Ballas is Shirley Ballas’ only child, born on May 24, 1986, in Houston, Texas.
Growing up in a family deeply involved in competitive ballroom dancing gave Mark early exposure to professional training.
Both of his parents played important roles in his development as a dancer.
Mark eventually became a professional on Dancing with the Stars, earning recognition for his creative choreography and energetic performances.
He has won multiple Mirrorball Trophies, including victories with Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson and Charli D’Amelio.
His achievements reflect years of training and experience within the ballroom community.
Training Derek Hough
Shirley’s influence extends beyond her own family.
She helped train Derek Hough and Julianne Hough, two of the most successful personalities associated with Dancing with the Stars.
The Hough siblings spent part of their childhood training in London, where they developed their competitive ballroom skills.
Derek later became a multiple-time DWTS champion and judge, while Julianne established herself as a professional dancer, actress and television personality.
Shirley’s coaching helped shape their technical foundations during important stages of their development.
Her connection with the Hough family demonstrates her broader influence on American ballroom television.
Strictly Come Dancing
In 2017, Shirley Ballas became the head judge of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, replacing the late Len Goodman.
The appointment introduced her to millions of television viewers across the United Kingdom.
Strictly Come Dancing is the British ballroom competition that helped inspire the international Dancing with the Stars franchise.
As head judge, Shirley evaluates celebrity contestants and their professional partners, offering feedback on technique, musicality and performance.
Her judging style combines technical expertise with direct criticism, sometimes generating lively reactions from viewers.
The position has made her one of Britain’s most recognizable television dance personalities.
DWTS 2026 Appearance
Shirley Ballas appeared as a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars season 35 in October 2026, including the show’s Horror Movie Night episode.
Her appearance attracted particular attention because her son Mark was competing during the season.
The family connection created an unusual situation in which Shirley evaluated performances involving a dancer she had helped train from childhood.
Her judging also brought a different perspective to the American competition, drawing on decades of international ballroom experience.
Mark’s participation alongside celebrity partner Maura Higgins added further interest to Shirley’s appearance.
Her involvement highlighted the close professional connections between the British and American dance competitions.
The Next Pro
Shirley’s association with the American ballroom franchise also includes ** Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro **, a project focused on discovering emerging professional dancing talent.
Her involvement alongside Mark connects two generations of experienced ballroom performers.
The programme provides opportunities for aspiring dancers to demonstrate their abilities and compete for recognition.
For Shirley, working with younger performers reflects the coaching experience she developed throughout her career.
Her participation also reinforces her position as an influential figure in the international ballroom community.
Family Legacy
The Ballas family’s influence on competitive dancing spans several decades.
Shirley’s championship achievements established the family’s reputation, while Mark’s television career introduced their dancing legacy to a wider American audience.
Their shared professional background has created a lasting connection between traditional ballroom competitions and modern television entertainment.
Although Shirley and Corky divorced in 2007, both contributed to Mark’s development as a dancer.
Shirley has continued supporting her son’s achievements while maintaining an independent career as a television judge and instructor.
Latest Update
As of October 2026, Shirley Ballas remains one of the most influential personalities in ballroom dancing, with her recent Dancing with the Stars appearances attracting renewed attention.
At 66, she continues to be recognized for her championship record, coaching achievements and judging career.
Her relationship with Mark Ballas remains an important part of her public story, particularly as both continue appearing in major dance competitions.
Shirley Ballas is not simply Mark Ballas’ famous mother. She is a decorated ballroom champion, respected instructor and television judge whose influence has helped shape generations of professional dancers.
