Competitive ballroom dancer Corky Ballas is the son of George C. Ballas Sr., known for owning and operating the largest dance studio in the world. Corky was born as Mark Alexander "Corky" Ballas Sr., and has risen to fame because of his dancing prowess. He is best known for holding several Latin dance championship titles, and his work as a judge of dance competitions. He is also known for his teaching vocation, training many dance professionals Anna Troubenskaya, Karina Smirnoff, Brian Fortuna, Julianne Hough, Jonathan Roberts, Tony Dovolani, Jessie DeSoto, Derek Hough, Edyta Sliwinska, Alec Mazo, and Mark Ballas.
Corky Ballas’ partner is Shirley Ballas, and the two of them were 1996 Open to the World International Champions, 1995–1996 Open to the World British Champions, twice British National Champions, Star - World Cup - UK - Champions, and seven times undefeated United States International Latin Champions. However, they decided to retire in 1996.
Corky Ballas has since been chosen as one of the professionals on the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars. He has been paired with 82-year old actress Cloris Leachman. Joining 13 other couples, the two are set to perform various types of dances that will enable them to win the much-coveted mirror ball trophy. The show is hosted by Emmy Award-winning game show host Tom Bergeron, and features Len Goodman, Carrie Anne Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli as the panel of judges.