Mark Ballas is getting back into his groove on Dancing With the Stars — and he’s not scared of facing BFF Derek Hough as a judge.
Ballas, 39, and season 34 partner Whitney Leavitt earned a 15 out of 20 for their fierce tango during the Tuesday, September 16, premiere, tying with Robert Irwin and Witney Carson at the top of the leaderboard. (Performances were scored on a scale of 20 due to judge Carrie Ann Inaba‘s last-minute absence.)
While Ballas and Leavitt’s first routine showed they’re one of the couples to beat, the returning pro is excited to see how the competition plays out.
“They’re all my comrades and friends,” he exclusively told Us Weekly on Tuesday, praising his fellow pro dancers. “It’s funny, I remember being Ezra [Sosa] and Rylee [Arnold]’s age here, and now, I’m like the older uncle … but I love being here. I love all these pros. This cast is great. Our staff, everyone from the band to the producers, the wardrobe, hair and makeup. This is like home for me. So I’m happy to be here.”
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When it comes to being critiqued by Hough, 40, this isn’t Ballas’ first rodeo. Hough was handing out scores when fans last saw Ballas compete in the DWTS ballroom during season 31 with Charli D’Amelio. (They ended up winning the season.)
Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli Disney/Eric McCandless
On Tuesday, Hough warned that couples might see lower scores than usual while heading into the new competition.
“No one’s going to give it to you more accurate[ly] and more correctly than Derek,” Ballas told Us. “He’s been in our shoes. He knows what it’s like. He’s a straight shooter, and he’s also very sweet-natured and helpful, giving tips and things to work on. I love him.”
Ballas made his first appearance as a DWTS pro during season 5 and has three mirrorball trophy victories under his belt. After taking home the win with D’Amelio, 21, in 2022, Ballas took a break from the ballroom. He opened up to Us earlier this month about why this season was the perfect time to make a comeback.
“I had some injury stuff clear up that was kind of slowing me down,” he revealed following the season 34 cast announcement, noting that his body is “feeling good” after “hardcore” physical therapy.
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Ballas’ family also played a role in getting him back on the dance floor. He welcomed son Banski in 2023 with wife BC Jean.
“I also am a new dad and I really am excited for my son to see [me] do this,” the choreographer told Us. “I love the show and I’ve been able to perform on it a couple times since I stopped. I got to do the awesome tango with Derek, me and Charli did a victory lap. I got to guest judge last year. … I’m like, ‘I think I got a couple more in the tank.’ I want my son to watch me do this. Excited to be back.”
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
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