If you’ve watched even one season of Dancing with the Stars, you know the names. Mark Ballas and Julianne Hough are basically the royal family of the ballroom. But there’s a weird vibe that sometimes pops up when they’re in the same room—a mix of deep, "we’ve known each other since diapers" love and a tension that only comes from having a lot of history.
Most people think they just met on a TV set. Not even close.
The real story starts in London, decades ago, in a house filled with the smell of floor wax and the sound of Latin music. It’s a story about "foster" siblings, a childhood romance that actually happened, and a massive falling out that played out right in front of the cameras.
The London Years: More Than Just Friends
Back in the late 90s, Julianne and her brother Derek were just kids in Utah. Their parents were going through a messy divorce, and in a move that sounds like a movie plot, they were sent across the ocean to live with Shirley and Corky Ballas.
Shirley Ballas—now a legend on Strictly Come Dancing—was their coach. She wasn't just teaching them how to do a cha-cha; she was raising them.
Mark Ballas was the "brother" in the house. The three of them were inseparable. They went to the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts together. They took the subway alone as ten-year-olds. They even formed a pop-dance trio called 2B1G (Two Boys, One Girl). Honestly, can you imagine the rehearsals in that living room?
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Was It Actually A Romance?
Here is the part everyone asks about: Did Mark and Julianne date?
The answer is yes. But it’s complicated. Mark actually told People magazine years ago that Julianne was his "first love." They were young—young teenagers—and they were dance partners in the Junior Olympics. When you’re spending ten hours a day touching hands and staring into each other’s eyes for a Rumba, feelings happen.
They had that sort of intense, "first everything" bond. But when you live under the same roof and your parents are your coaches, "dating" probably felt more like a very high-stakes sibling rivalry with some hand-holding. Eventually, they drifted. Julianne moved back to the States at 15, while Mark stayed in London longer.
The DWTS Friction Nobody Talks About
When they both ended up on Dancing with the Stars, the "sibling" narrative was the one the PR teams pushed. And for the most part, it was true. But things got incredibly awkward in 2013.
Julianne had left the show to pursue movies like Footloose and Safe Haven, but she came back as a guest judge. Mark was still a pro, dancing with Christina Milian. During the critique, Julianne basically told Christina that she needed to "shine" more because Mark had a tendency to make the dance all about himself.
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"I've danced with Mark," she said. "You have to stand in front to make sure you're seen."
Ouch.
The look on Mark’s face was pure ice. He later called her comment "hypocritical" in interviews. It was one of those rare moments where the "happy dance family" mask slipped, and you could see the years of baggage underneath. You don't say something that pointed to a friend unless there’s a nerve being touched.
The "Lore" and the Darker Side
There’s also a heavier layer to this. Julianne has been very open about the fact that her time in London wasn't all glitter and trophies. She’s spoken about being abused—mentally and physically—during those years.
She has never named names. She has explicitly said she doesn't want to hurt anyone. But the fact that this happened while she was living in the Ballas household has led to years of internet speculation. Shirley Ballas has always maintained they were "horrified" by the claims and denied any knowledge of abuse at their school or home.
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This is the nuance people miss. Mark and Julianne aren't just "showbiz friends." They are survivors of a very intense, very grueling professional upbringing. That kind of bond doesn't break easily, but it’s definitely not "perfect."
Where They Stand Now
If you look at them today, the dust has mostly settled. When Mark’s wife, BC Jean, suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage, Mark publicly shared how Derek (and by extension the Hough family) was his rock.
- The Best Man Factor: Mark was the best man at Derek’s wedding. That doesn't happen if the families are at war.
- Professional Respect: They still post about each other's projects, though they aren't as "joined at the hip" as they were in the 2000s.
- The 2026 Perspective: They’ve both moved into "elder statesman" territory in the dance world. Julianne is hosting; Mark is retired from the pro floor but still choreographing and judging.
They've grown up. Basically, they transitioned from childhood sweethearts to competitive rivals to what they are now: family by choice, for better or worse.
If you want to understand the modern ballroom world, you have to look at the London years. You can't separate the way Mark dances—with that aggressive, theatrical flair—from the way Julianne judges. It all comes from the same living room in England.
To really see this dynamic in action, go back and watch their 2008-2009 interviews. The way they finish each other’s sentences is eerie. It’s a level of familiarity you only get when you’ve shared a bathroom and a dance floor for half your life.
Keep an eye on their social media interactions during the next DWTS season. You'll notice that while they might not be "besties" in the traditional sense anymore, the respect for the shared grind is always there.
Check out the old footage of 2B1G on YouTube if you want a laugh—the hair and the outfits are a time capsule, but the talent was there from day one. It explains exactly why they both became the legends they are today.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the early seasons: To see the peak of their "partnership" energy, go back to Season 4 and 5.
- Follow the parents: Shirley Ballas's autobiography gives the best behind-the-scenes look at what the London house was actually like.
- Monitor the judging: When Julianne judges a "Mark-style" dancer now, you can still hear the echoes of their shared training.