So, let's talk about Mark Ballas. If you’ve spent any time watching Dancing with the Stars over the last two decades, you know the guy is basically a human firework. But lately, the big question isn't just about his choreography—it’s about the age of Mark Ballas and how on earth he’s still doing what he does at this stage of his life.
Born on May 24, 1986, Mark Ballas is currently 39 years old. He’ll be hitting the big 4-0 this May.
For a professional dancer, 40 is usually when you start looking for a comfortable judging chair or a permanent spot behind a producer’s desk. Most pros are "aged out" or physically spent by their mid-thirties. But Mark? He’s literally doing the opposite. After a very emotional retirement announcement back in 2023, he’s currently back in the ballroom for Season 34, and honestly, he looks faster than he did in his twenties.
Why Mark Ballas’ Age Actually Matters Right Now
Usually, celebrity ages are just a trivia point. With Mark, it’s a comeback story. When he won Season 31 with Charli D’Amelio, he was 36. At the end of that tour in March 2023, he stood on a stage in Las Vegas and told a room full of crying fans that it was his "last dance."
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He was done. Or so we thought.
Coming back at 39 isn’t just about ego. He’s explicitly said that his son, Banksi Wylde Ballas, who was born in late 2023, is the main reason he’s back. He wanted his kid to actually see him work. It’s a total "dad move," and it’s changed the way he approaches the show. He isn't just trying to win Mirrorballs anymore; he's proving that "dance age" is a myth if you take care of your body.
The Secret to His Longevity
You don’t get to be nearly 40 and still jump like a teenager without a serious plan. Mark’s background isn’t just ballroom; it’s a mix of flamenco, jazz, and even musical theater (remember his run as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys?). That versatility saved his joints.
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- Intentional Movement: He told Parade recently that he focuses on "intention" over just throwing out steps.
- The Traitors Factor: He recently competed on Season 4 of The Traitors US, which apparently gave him a mental break from the physical grind of dance.
- Family Recharge: He credits his wife, BC Jean, for keeping him grounded. They’ve been married since 2016 and perform together as the duo Alexander Jean.
Addressing the Retirement "Flip-Flop"
Some fans were a bit salty when Mark announced his retirement only to come back two years later. But if you look at his history, Mark has always been a "heart on his sleeve" kind of guy. When he said he was retiring at 36, he probably meant it. The grind of 20 seasons is brutal.
But then he did a guest tango with Derek Hough in Season 33, and the spark came back. Derek actually told Entertainment Weekly that he wasn't surprised at all. He saw Mark's energy during that one dance and knew his best friend wasn't actually finished. Honestly, we’ve seen this with athletes like Tom Brady—sometimes the "final" season is just a necessary breather before the second act.
What’s Next for Mark in 2026?
Beyond his current stint on Dancing with the Stars, Mark is heavily involved in the Ovation Dance tour, which runs through June 2026. He’s teaching, choreographing, and performing alongside Derek and Julianne Hough. He's also hinted at wanting to expand his family, mentioning in late 2025 that he and BC Jean are "talking about" baby number two.
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If you’re looking to follow in his footsteps or just stay as limber as a 39-year-old pro, the takeaway is pretty simple: don't stop moving. Mark’s "un-retirement" proves that your peak doesn't have to be in your twenties.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Dancers:
- Watch the Re-runs: If you want to see how his style has evolved with age, compare his Season 6 win with Kristi Yamaguchi to his Season 31 win with Charli D’Amelio. The maturity in his choreography is night and day.
- Check out Alexander Jean: His music career with his wife is where he spends most of his creative energy outside the ballroom. Their track "I Can't Dance" is a fun, self-aware nod to his day job.
- Catch the Ovation Tour: If you're in a city like Chicago, Phoenix, or San Diego, you can actually take classes from him through June 2026.