Mark Ballas transitions from pro dancer to judge on the new spin-off series 'Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro,' where he and his mother Shirley Ballas will select the next professional dancer for the main show, focusing on versatility and personal story alongside technical skill.
The long-running dance competition series " Dancing With The Stars" is introducing a new spin-off titled "Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro," which premieres tonight.
The show aims to discover the next professional dancer to join the main series when it returns in the fall. Mark Ballas, a former champion pro dancer on the original series, steps into a new role as a judge for this competition. He will be joined by his mother, Shirley Ballas, a renowned ballroom dance champion and current head judge on the main "DWTS" program, along with a rotating panel of guest judges.
The selection process focuses not only on technical dance skill but also on the contestants' personal stories, backgrounds, versatility, and the unique qualities they would bring to the ballroom. Ballas emphasized that the judging criteria include understanding each dancer's inspiration, training history, and expertise across different styles. He praised his mother's ability to deliver concise, constructive feedback due to her extensive knowledge of Latin and ballroom dancing.
The judges will evaluate how well contestants can adapt under pressure, noting that panic often leads to failure. This new role adds to Ballas's extensive resume, which includes four Mirrorball Trophy wins on the main series, a return to Broadway in the musical "Chicago," and a lifelong passion for theater sparked in his childhood. While he enjoys the perk of watching without the physical exertion of performing, he remains deeply involved in the dance and entertainment world.
The series premieres at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with streaming available the next day on Disney+ and Hulu
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