Dancing With The Stars
Exclusive Interview with
Corky Ballas

Corky Ballas became a household name this September when he was partnered with the talented and funny Cloris Leachman on Dancing With The Stars.  However, long before he and his son Mark joined the hit show, he was very well known in the ballroom world, winning several championships with his partner and ex-wife Shirley Ballas. Corky was kind enough to let me interview him about his experiences on the show, what it was like working with a legendary actress and being a teacher to three of the show’s most popular dancers.

HOW DID CORKY GET INVOLVED IN THE BALLROOM WORLD?

Corky began dancing seriously at the age of twenty-one, despite protests from others who told him he was too old to be entering the professional dance scene. However, his love of dance and determination led him to entering dance competitions and meeting Shirley Ballas, his former wife and dance partner. Corky and Shirley went on to win several titles and competitions, eventually becoming world champions. Some of the titles he as won include World Pro/Am champion, eight time Undefeated United State Champion and World International Champion. 

THE LEGENDARY DANCER PASSES HIS GIFT OF DANCE TO THE NEXT GENERATION

Another thing that Corky is well known for is teaching three of the youngest professional dancers on DWTS: his son and season six winner Mark Ballas, season seven winner Derek Hough and  two-time champion Julianne Hough. The Houghs moved to England when they were preteens in order to learn from him and Shirley. Corky says that the three of them have a “work ethic that is second to none,” which led to them becoming Junior World Champions.  (Mark and Julianne were partnered together) He adds that they appreciated the opportunities they were given and did not take one moment of their experience for granted. 

Corky also told me that he taught Mark, Derek and Julianne that it was in their element to create something through their dancing and it is something that they believe in and try to incorporate into their routines.

FATHER VS. SON ON DWTS

This past season on Dancing With The Stars was the first one where Corky not only participated, but also competed against his son Mark. He was partnered with legendary actress Cloris Leachman, and Mark was partnered with reality star and model Kim Kardashian.  Mark and Kim placed eleventh in the competition, while Corky and Cloris placed seventh. The night Mark was eliminated, both couples found themselves under the red lights, although it is unknown whether or not Corky and Cloris were in the bottom two.  Corky revealed that this was his least favorite part of the competition because he hated the thought of his son leaving the competition so early.  However, Mark was hoping it would be him so that his father could have more time on the show.

REASONS FOR JOINING DWTS

So why did Corky join Dancing With The Stars? His interest in the show began when Mark, Derek and Julianne joined the show. (He had given them a reference.) When season seven rolled around, the producers had decided to cast Cloris Leachman, who is eighty-two years young. They decided they wanted her to be with an older professional dancer, so they gave Corky a call. He happily accepted, and that season became one half of the most talked about couple of the season.

WORKING WITH CLORIS

It is no secret that Cloris was one of the most unforgettable contestants to ever participate on Dancing With The Stars. But what was it like to work with her? Corky was more than willing to share the details of their wonderful partnership. He told me that, she was also a wonderful, positive person that would always try and make everyone around her feel good.  He added that she has a  sense of humor, something that helped them hit it off and develop their friendship. 

As a student, Cloris was a very hard worker, but very easily distracted. Corky revealed that he even had to tape up the windows because she would get distracted by anything moving outside—if there was a baby or a puppy walking by, she would want to run outside and play. However, despite that, Cloris tried her best and would do whatever she could to learn the routines—not only the steps, but the delivery and entertainment side as well. Corky said that it was a wonderful experience because he got to share his love of dance with her.

LIFE AFTER DWTS

Now that season seven has come to a close, Corky has no plans of slowing down.  He plans on teaching dance seminars and getting couples ready for competitions in LA and around the country. He also is considering doing the tour—but not without his lady Cloris. 

Thank you to the wonderful Corky Ballas for taking the time to talk to me about his experiences on Dancing With The Stars and his legendary ballroom career. 

Please take the time to visit Corky's website by clicking HERE.

To join our awesome Fan Forum, click HERE

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