Mark Ballas Stirs Speculation: Is His DWTS Future in Jeopardy Ahead of Season 35?
Mark Ballas is keeping Dancing With the Stars fans guessing, saying his season 35 return remains up in the air after hitting the Disney 2026 Upfront red carpet in New York.
Mark Ballas might be back in the ballroom this fall... or not. He has not decided yet, and honestly, given the run he just had, I get it.
Where Mark Ballas is at right now
On the Disney 2026 Upfront red carpet in New York City on Tuesday, May 12, Ballas said he is still weighing a Dancing With the Stars season 35 return. He has been on a tear lately: back-to-back TV gigs, plus a Broadway stint in 'Chicago.' He wants a breather before committing.
"I’m not sure if I’m returning yet... I’m gonna take a beat for a second, and then I’ll decide in the summer or in the fall. But I’m open to it."
Translation: not a no, not a yes. A very reasonable maybe.
His take on the new cast
Ballas is into the early season 35 casting — especially the crossover from 'The Traitors.' He worked with Maura Higgins (35) during season 4 of that show, and says they talked a lot about DWTS while filming. In his words, she basically willed this gig into existence. He is also excited to see Ciara Miller step onto the floor, and now Jackson Olson from the Savannah Bananas is in the mix too. For anyone wondering, pros and celeb pairings are not locked yet.
Ballas and DWTS: the quick refresher
- DWTS debut: season 5 in 2007
- First exit: after season 22 in 2016
- Short return: season 25 in 2017, then another multi-year break
- Surprise comeback: season 31 in 2022, partnered with Charli D'Amelio — they won the Mirrorball
Before season 35: what to watch this summer
Even if Ballas sits out the fall, you will still see him on TV soon. 'Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro' arrives this summer, with 12 up-and-coming dancers moving into a house and grinding through an audition- style competition. The prize: a coveted pro spot on DWTS season 35.
Robert Irwin — yes, the season 34 champ from 2025, and yes, he is 22 — is hosting. Ballas will judge alongside his mother, Shirley Ballas, and they will be joined by a rotating lineup of guest judges and mentors. The first trailer dropped last month, promising an all-out battle to earn that pro sash.
The bottom line
DWTS season 35 hits this fall. Ballas will make the call on returning later this summer or in the fall. He is open to it — just catching his breath after a busy run.