Mark Ballas Reveals What It Really Takes to Become the Next “DWTS” Pro

The dance floor just got a lot more competitive. “Dancing with the Stars” is hunting for a new pro for Season 35, and a brand-new reality show is documenting the search.

“Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” premiered on July 13 on ABC and is also available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. The show follows 12 contestants through a weeks-long audition process packed with challenges testing technique, teaching skills, artistry, and patience. Wildlife conservationist and Season 34 celebrity champ Robert Irwin hosts the series. The judges’ table is anchored by three-time mirror-ball winner Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas — head judge of “Strictly Come Dancing” — alongside a rotating lineup of “DWTS” pros serving as guest judges.

So what does it really take to land that pro spot? According to Mark Ballas, it’s about far more than great dancing.

“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,” Ballas told Dance Spirit. “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.”

He emphasized adaptability as a core skill: “You need to have Plans B, C, and D ready to go. Our most accomplished pros are able to do that on the spot.”

Ballas also looks for ease and star power. “When you watch, you can totally relax. 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 what makes someone stand out is being able to push, be adaptable, be flexible, and know how to be a good friend.”

Sitting on the other side of the judges’ table has given Ballas a new perspective. He aims to give feedback that dancers can apply to all styles, not just one routine — a lesson he learned from Derek Hough. Judging alongside his mother Shirley was eye-opening: “She comes at judging from a technical standpoint. I’m coming at it as a competitor and as a pro. We agreed on a lot, but we butted heads a little bit.”

After 20 years on “DWTS,” Ballas admits the show still surprised him. “It’s cool to see the pro job highlighted. When you watch ‘DWTS,’ you get to know the pros a little bit, but it’s really about the celebrities. This show is focused around getting to know these particular dancers.”

To aspiring pros, Ballas’s advice is direct: “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. Trying and failing is great. Get used to hearing no. Persistence is everything.”

At GoDance, we help you build the skills and versatility that pros rely on — so you’re ready to shine whether on the competition floor or in the studio.