Early life
Corky Ballas was born on 25 December 1960 in Houston, Texas, USA.
He grew up in a remarkable dance family. His father, George Ballas, owned Dance City USA, which was at the time considered the largest dance studio in the United States, employing over 100 teachers. George later became famous worldwide as the inventor of the Weed Eater garden trimmer.
His mother, Maria Marulanda Ballas, was an accomplished Flamenco dancer who had studied in Spain with the legendary Carmen Amaya.
Because of this environment, Corky was immersed in dance almost from birth. As a child, he studied Flamenco, jazz, tap, ballet, folk dance, gymnastics, American Smooth and American Rhythm.
Interestingly, he did not begin studying International Latin until he was about 18, much later than most future world champions.
Before that, he enjoyed success in disco dancing during the Saturday Night Fever era.
Many people told him he had started too late to become a world-class Latin dancer—but that only strengthened his determination.
The beginning of his competitive career
His first major competitive breakthrough came in Pro-Am International Style Latin.
Within only six months of changing styles, Corky and his teacher, Patrea Lockie, became United States Pro-Am Champions, holding the title for three consecutive years.
Watching the world’s top professionals compete in Montreal inspired him to pursue the highest level of International Style Latin.
Partnership with Shirley Ballas
One of the defining moments of his life was meeting Shirley Ballas (then Shirley Rich/Stopford).
According to Corky, he admired Shirley’s dancing so much that he asked her to coach him. Their professional relationship developed into a personal one, and they married in 1985.
They moved to Houston, Texas, where they competed in the United States.
Their only child, Mark Ballas, was born in 1986.
Together, they became one of the greatest International Style Latin couples of their era. They were seven-time U.S. Professional Latin Champions.
To become world-class, Corky and Shirley relocated to England, then the centre of competitive ballroom dancing.
They trained there for many years, working with the world’s leading coaches and competing against the strongest international field.
This period transformed them from American champions into internationally recognised legends.
Shirley and Corky won the Professional Latin title at the British Open (Blackpool Dance Festival) in 1995 and 1996. Corky became the first American male Latin dancer to win the British Open Professional Latin title.
They also won the British Closed Professional Latin Championship in 1994 and 1995, the International Professional Latin Championship in 1995, and the UK Professional Latin Championship in 1995 and 1996.
Their dancing was renowned for its explosive Latin action, musical interpretation, dramatic presentation, exceptional rhythm, outstanding body mechanics, and innovative choreography.
Many dancers still study videos of their Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive today.
Coaching career
After retiring from competition in 1996, Corky devoted himself to coaching. His influence became enormous.
Together with Shirley, he produced several dance music CDs—Passion, Passion Too and Passion Jam—as well as more than 30 instructional videos covering everything from basic syllabus figures to advanced routines, rhythms and choreography.
Among the dancers he has coached or mentored are many top professionals who also appeared on Dancing with the Stars, including his son Mark Ballas, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, Karina Smirnoff, Tony Dovolani, Anna Trebunskaya and many others.
Derek and Julianne Hough even lived with the Ballas family in London during their youth while training.
Teaching philosophy
Corky has always emphasised fundamentals before choreography, absolute musical precision, disciplined practice, mental toughness, and, most importantly, believing in becoming a champion even when others doubt you.
He often says that success follows a repeatable system rather than talent alone.
Adjudicator, presenter and choreographer
Besides teaching and coaching, Corky is also a respected adjudicator and an outstanding master of ceremonies. He enjoys presenting some of the biggest dance events across the United States.
He has always loved choreography and has created numerous shows, first for himself and Shirley and later for many other performers.
Dancing with the Stars
Corky himself appeared as a professional dancer on the American version of Dancing with the Stars. His celebrity partners included Cloris Leachman (Season 7) and Florence Henderson (Season 11).
Although he did not appear on the show as frequently as his son Mark, one of his greatest contributions came through mentoring many of the programme’s professional dancers.
Family
Although Corky and Shirley divorced in 2007, they have remained on good terms professionally and are now proud grandparents.
Their son, Mark Ballas, followed in his parents’ footsteps and became one of the most successful dancers of his generation. After winning the Under-21 British Open Latin title in 2004, he moved to the United States, where he became one of the leading professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars, winning three seasons and receiving an Emmy nomination for choreography.
Beyond dance, Mark has built a successful career as a musician and actor, performing on Broadway in Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots and, most recently, Chicago.
In 2016, he married singer-songwriter BC Jean (Brittany Jean Carlson). Together they formed the pop-rock duo Aleksander Jean, and in 2023 they welcomed their son, Banksi Wylde Ballas, making Corky and Shirley proud grandparents.
Today, Corky lives in Los Angeles, close to Mark and his family.
A Personal reflection
Corky proved that an American from Texas could win the greatest International Professional Latin titles, which had traditionally been dominated by British and European dancers.
I remember watching him and Shirley win the British Open Professional Latin Championship. Not only were they extraordinary dancers, but they were also unique entertainers. Corky’s sense of humour and his exceptional physical abilities were mesmerising.
I vividly remember their brilliant performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1998—a witty and theatrical parody of the rivalries and playful “battles” between dance partners.
Years later, we met in person in Boston, where he and his family were looking after a superb live Latin band performing for dancers. It was there that I realised how deeply he understands authentic Latin music.
Corky Ballas’s story is far more than the journey of a champion. It is the story of determination, vision, and an unwavering belief that excellence is built through discipline, passion and continuous learning. As a competitor, coach, choreographer, entertainer and mentor, he has left an enduring mark on generations of dancers. His legacy lives not only in the titles he won but also in the countless lives he has inspired, proving that true greatness is measured by the influence we leave on others.
Enjoy extremely interesting podcast with Corky on Spotify - Barbara's Dance Room.
