Is Mark Ballas Gay? The Reality Behind the Ballroom Rumors

You’ve seen the eyeliner. You’ve seen the flamboyant, avant-garde costumes that make most people’s wardrobes look like a pile of beige laundry. And if you've watched even five minutes of Dancing with the Stars, you know Mark Ballas doesn't just dance; he performs with a theatrical intensity that borders on the operatic. Because of that flair—and let's be honest, the general stereotypes surrounding male ballroom dancers—people have been asking is Mark Ballas gay for basically as long as he’s been in the public eye.

It’s a question that pops up in Google searches every time he hits a red carpet or pulls off a particularly gender-bending routine. But the answer is actually pretty straightforward.

The short answer to the big question

Honestly, no. Mark Ballas is not gay.

He’s been married to singer-songwriter BC Jean (the woman who actually wrote Beyoncé's "If I Were a Boy") since 2016. They aren't just a couple; they're a whole vibe. They have a band together called Alexander Jean, and they basically spend their lives making music and raising their son, Banksi Wylde Ballas, who was born in late 2023.

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Why the rumors never seem to die

So why does the internet keep asking? Ballroom dancing has this weird relationship with masculinity. In the US, there’s often this narrow-minded idea that if a man is graceful, wears sequins, and can pull off a rumba, he must be gay. Mark leans into the artistry. He’s played Charlie Price in Kinky Boots on Broadway—a role that involves literal high heels—and he’s never been afraid to push the envelope with his choreography.

The rumors also got a fresh spark recently because of his time on The Traitors US. He became close friends with Colton Underwood, the former Bachelor who came out as gay in 2021. Colton even went on record saying he’d love to do a same-sex pairing on DWTS with Mark. While Mark hasn't done a same-sex pairing on the show yet, he's been vocal about being "totally up for it" since way back in 2011. He sees it as an artistic challenge, not a statement on his own sexuality.

A timeline of his real-life romance

• 2012: Mark and BC Jean meet at a singer-songwriter night. He hears her sing and is basically floored.
• 2015: They get engaged on Thanksgiving.
• 2016: A massive, bohemian wedding in Malibu. Derek Hough was the best man.
• 2023: They welcome their first child, Banksi.
• 2025: Mark returns to DWTS for Season 34, partnering with Whitney Leavitt, proving he’s still got the energy of someone half his age.

The "Alexander Jean" Connection

If you want to understand Mark's personal life, you have to look at his music. He and BC Jean are "each other's muses," as she told People. Their band is a mix of their middle names (Alexander and Jean). They even released a single in late 2025 called "I Don't Dance," which is a bit ironic for a three-time Mirrorball trophy winner.

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The way they talk about their creative process is pretty intense. They've described it as a "sexual puzzle" where they bicker and create until something clicks. It's a partnership that seems incredibly solid, even with the grueling schedule of a reality TV star.

Addressing the stereotypes

It's kinda wild that in 2026 we're still equating "theatricality" with "sexual orientation." Mark comes from a family of legends—his parents, Corky and Shirley Ballas, are ballroom royalty. He grew up in an environment where dance was a sport and an art form, not a lifestyle label.

He’s also been linked to several high-profile women in the past before settling down, including some of his former dance partners and other industry pros. But since meeting BC Jean, he’s been famously devoted.

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What to take away from this

People are always going to speculate about celebrities. It’s part of the deal. But when it comes to Mark Ballas, the "is he or isn't he" debate is mostly fueled by outdated tropes about male dancers.

If you want to keep up with what he's actually doing, focus on his choreography. His recent run on Season 34 showed that even after a "retirement" and becoming a dad, he’s still one of the most innovative minds in the ballroom. He’s currently balancing life as a father, a touring musician, and a guest judge/performer on various platforms.

Next Steps for Fans:

• Check out the latest Alexander Jean tracks on Spotify to see the chemistry between Mark and BC Jean for yourself.
• Follow Mark on Instagram for updates on his son, Banksi, and behind-the-scenes clips of his choreography process.
• Re-watch his Season 31 winning routines with Charli D'Amelio if you want to see the peak of his creative genius.