Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night Lights Up DWTS
#entertainment #television #music #dance #reality_show
Dancing With the Stars pays tribute to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with electrifying performances, team twists, and a surprise elimination.
Mark Ballas is an American professional dancer, choreographer, musician, and actor, best known for his long-running role as a professional dancer on ABC’s hit television show *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS)[1]. Born on May 24, 1986, in Houston, Texas, Ballas began his dance training at a young age and attended the Italia Conti Performing Arts School in London, England, laying the groundwork for his versatile career[2]. Ballas joined DWTS in its fifth season and quickly became a fan favorite, competing in over 15 seasons and winning the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy twice—first with Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi in Season 6 and again with gymnast Shawn Johnson in Season 8[1]. He is also an 11-time DWTS finalist, demonstrating remarkable consistency and skill across various partnerships, including memorable runs with celebrity partners such as Bristol Palin, Chelsea Kane, and Katherine Jenkins[1][5]. His innovative choreography earned him a 2011 Creative Arts Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography[1][2]. Beyond the dance floor, Ballas has built a notable career in theater. He played Frankie Valli in *Jersey Boys* on Broadway, the national tour, and in Los Angeles, and took on the lead role of Charlie Price in *Kinky Boots* on Broadway[2][5]. His other stage credits include *The Buddy Holly Story*, *Copacabana*, *Jesus Christ Superstar*, and *Seven Brides for Seven Brothers*[2][5]. Musically, Ballas is half of the indie duo Alexander Jean, which he formed with his wife, singer-songwriter BC Jean. Their music has amassed over 200 million streams worldwide, with several charting singles and viral hits on platforms like TikTok[2][5]. Ballas is also a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and solo artist, having released his debut album *HurtLoveBox* in 2011[1]. In recent years, Ballas has remained active in entertainment, balancing music, theater, and television appearances. While he has stepped back from regular DWTS appearances, his influence persists in the dance community, and he continues to engage fans through social media and live performances. As of late 2025, Ballas remains a respected figure in both dance and music, known for his creativity, versatility, and enduring appeal across multiple entertainment disciplines[1][2][5].
#entertainment #television #music #dance #reality_show
Dancing With the Stars pays tribute to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with electrifying performances, team twists, and a surprise elimination.