What It Takes to Be the Next “DWTS” Pro, According to Mark Ballas

The dance floor is seriously heating up! “Dancing with the Stars” will welcome a new pro for Season 35, and this time, a new reality TV show is following a group of dancers as they duke it out for the coveted spot.

“Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” premiered on July 13 on ABC. In it, 12 contestants are competing in a weeks-long audition process filled with challenges to test their technique, teaching skills, artistry, and—evidently—patience. “The Next Pro,” which is also available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu, is hosted by wildlife conservationist and Season 34 celebrity champ Robert Irwin. Anchoring the judges’ table are three-time mirror-ball winner Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley (“Strictly Come Dancing” head judge), alongside a rotating list of “DWTS” pros as guest judges.

Becoming the next pro takes a whole lot more than great dancing, says Mark. So as the contestants continue to vie for their spot on “DWTS,” Dance Spirit jumped on the phone with him to learn more.

In your eyes, what does it take to be a “DWTS” pro?

First and foremost, our show is predominantly a ballroom and Latin show, so you need to have an understanding of the fundamentals in those styles
if you’re going to be able to teach them. It’s one thing to be an excellent dancer, but at the end of
the day, you could have a celebrity who has absolutely no dance experience, and you have to make them look good.

One of the greatest skill sets you can have as a pro is being so knowledgeable in your craft that you’re able to pivot on a dime. You need to have Plans B,
C, and D ready to go. Our most accomplished pros are able to do that on the spot.

Is there anything that you, personally, are looking for in these dancers?

I think it’s that feeling of when you watch, you can totally relax. And I’m not talking about nerves—I’m talking about confidence and the ability to rise to the occasion in a very high-pressure situation.

All these kids can dance. But I think what makes someone stand out more is being able to push, be adaptable, be flexible, and know how to be a good friend. It’s ease and star power.

What’s it been like on the other side of the judges’ table?

I think about when Derek [Hough] went to the judges’ table—it was great because he’s walked in our shoes. I think receiving feedback from someone like that is so beneficial.

Sometimes when you’re on these shows, you get, for example, a paso doble one week, then you won’t do it again. So what feedback can you give to the dancers that is constructive, that they can work on going forward, and that they can apply to all the styles? That’s what I’m trying to do.

What has that been like judging alongside your mom?

My mom comes at judging from a technical standpoint. She has the sharpest eyes and can answer any question for you on the spot, whereas I’m coming at it as a competitor and as a pro. We agreed on a lot, but there were a lot of things that we disagreed on, and we butted heads a little bit. But I have the utmost respect for my mom. She’s at the highest level there is in ballroom and Latin, and at her age, she can still probably outwork all of us!

Is there anything about “The Next Pro” that surprised you?

After doing “DWTS” for 20 years, not a lot surprises me! [Laughs.] But it’s cool to see the pro job highlighted on “The Next Pro.” When you watch “DWTS,” you get to know the pros a little bit, but it’s really about the celebrities. Whereas this show is focused around getting to know these particular dancers. I’m hoping by the end of this, the audience will feel connected to the winner and will have gotten to know them on their journey.

One of the biggest questions on our readers’ minds is whether this is going to be a recurring show or a one-and-done.

I hope that it would continue. We have to see how it goes! We have a tight roster of pros, but the lineup changes constantly. Our team would be foolish to not consistently be looking for other pros, because injuries happen, people want different things in their life, people are having children, etc.

I think this is a great way for people at home to get to know more brilliant dancers. And we always need dancers.

So many aspiring dancers have grown up with “DWTS.” What advice would you give to anyone who wants to be a pro someday?

Be curious. Dive into different styles—I was a competitive ballroom dancer, but I also trained in musical theater, jazz, tap, contemporary, ballet, and hip hop my whole life. That comes in handy.

Trying and failing is great. And get used to hearing no. You’re gonna hear a crap ton of no’s. But one person’s opinion doesn’t change your trajectory or stop you from where you want to go as long as you stay dedicated, you stay disciplined, and you have fun with your dancing. Persistence is everything.