Mark Ballas Debuts His Solo Album “Waiting for Patience,” while taking Bristol Palin closer to the Mirror Ball Trophy win on Dancing with The Stars!
“Before Dancing With the Stars began this year we were able to visit with Mark Ballas about his love of his family, music, and dancing.”
By Rita Cook
An already established force to be reckoned with in the ballroom, two-time Dancing with the Stars champion Mark Ballas is proving to be a true triple threat as he debuts his singing and songwriting talents in his first solo project, “Waiting for Patience.”Born in Houston, Ballas moved to London with his family and at the age of four years old and joined the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Dramatic Arts Associate School. He began training in singing, dancing and acting at school, and after school, collected international accolades with partner country music star Julianne Hough. In fact, coming from a family of international dancers it seems Ballas was bound to be a star.
Before embarking on his television career, Ballas also starred as Tony Starr in Copacabana and the UK tour of Maria de Buenos Aires. He played Ricky Valens in the London Palladium production of The Buddy Holly Musical, bringing the audience to their feet nightly; he also made a guest star appearance on the 2008 season premiere of Samantha Who? as Cybil Shepherd’s young date.
These days Ballas also travels the country choreographing for dance studios and productions, and most recently choreographed for ice skaters Michael Wiss, Marie France Dubruil and gold medalist, Evan Lysacek. And, while this singer/songwriter’s first love is music, using his education to not just write the lyrics, but write and arrange the music is also his passion. In fact, he describes his music as acoustic pop-rock with soul; catchy melodies and intricate guitar riffs. Taking his music seriously, he practices his guitar up to two hours a day and strives to make an impact on music like his idols Van Halen and Paco de Lucia.
His first album was with friend and cast mate Derek Hough and their band. The Ballas Hough Band released their freshman album in 2009. Ballas’ roles in the group includes everything from writing the music to playing lead guitar to singing lead vocals and sometimes even playing drums and bass.
A Distinctive Style: Tell me about your time on Dancing With the Stars: what is your favorite thing about working on the show?