Date of Birth

24 December 1986, Houston, Texas, USA

Birth Name

Mark Alexander Corky Ballas Jr.

Height

5' 6" (1.68 m)

Trivia

• Has a band, "Almost Amy", with his friend Derek Hough.
• Learned dancing at his parents' dance studio in Houston, Texas. Other students included his Dancing with the Stars (2005) friends, Derek Hough and Julianne Hough.
• Son of Corky Ballas and Shirley Ballas, award-winning Latin American dancers.
• Released his group (Ballas Hough Band)'s first album called "BHB" on March 10, 2009 [March 2009]
• On May 20, he won Dancing with the Stars (2005), Season 6 with his celebrity partner, Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, the second woman celebrity to win the US version of the show. [May 2008]
• Mark's paternal grandfather was of Greek descent, and Mark's paternal grandmother is of Mexican (including Spanish) ancestry. Mark's mother, who is from the U.K., is of English and Irish descent.
• On May 19, he won Dancing with the Stars (2005), Season 8, with his celebrity partner, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, the fourth woman celebrity to win the US version of the show. [May 2009]
• Engaged to B.C. Jean [January 22, 2016].
• Member of Alexander Jean.
• Is a Martin Guitar Ambasssador and is also endorsed by Kremona Flamenco Guitars.
• Portrayed roles in Copacabana, the UK national tour of Maria de Buenos Aires, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Musical and Jersey Boys (portraying Frankie Valli).
• Graduated with honors from the Italia Conti Performing Arts School.
• Trained in classical Flamenco guitar.