Texas-born Mark Ballas, Jr. showed a keen interest in dancing when, at a very young age, he and his parents, Corky and Shirley Ballas – two of the biggest names in dance – moved to London, England, where he promptly started setting the stage for his future career. He joined the Italia Conti Academy of Dramatic Arts associate school at age four, where his training in acting, singing and dancing first began. At age 11, he earned a full time spot at the Academy, as well as a full scholarship to the college. Topping things off, in his graduating year (2005) he won performer of the year. Ballas