Mark Ballas is stepping back into the “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom with confidence, even with his longtime friend Derek Hough sitting at the judges’ table.
The three-time mirrorball champion knows Hough won’t hold back when it comes to critiques, but rather than being intimidated, Ballas says he welcomes the feedback from someone who’s walked in his shoes.
Ballas Returns to ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 34
Ballas returned to the ballroom for the “DWTS” season 34 premiere last night on ABC. He is partnered with “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt.
The couple performed a fierce tango during the premiere, which earned them a 15 out of 20 for the night. They were tied at the top of the leaderboard with Robert Irwin and Witney Carson. The performances were based on a scale of 20 since Carrie Ann Inaba was missing from the premiere.
This definitely shows that Ballas and Leavitt are one of the couples to beat after the first routine, but he was more excited about seeing how the competition plays out.
“They’re all my comrades and friends,” Balls told Us Weekly. “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.”
Nothing But Praise for Derek Hough
While this is Ballas’ return to the ballroom, it isn’t the first time he will be handed scores from his BFF Hough. Ballas last competed on “Dancing With the Stars” during season 31 when he was partnered with Charli D’Amelio, and they ended up winning the season.
During the season 34 premiere, Hough warned the new couples that they might see lower scores than usual this season.
Ballas told Us Weekly, “No one’s going to give it to you more accurate[ly] and more correctly than Derek. 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.”
Perfect Time for His Return
After winning the mirrorball back in season 31, Ballas took some time off. Now, after three seasons away, he said it was the perfect time to return to the show.
He told Us Weekly, “I had some injury stuff clear up that was kind of slowing me down.” He continued by saying his body is “feeling good” now after some “hardcore” physical therapy.
“Dancing With the Stars” airs on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET.
