Mark Ballas

Mark Ballas Interviews for CNN.com

September 16, 2009

(CNN) -- It says something about the popularity of "Dancing With the Stars" that the show's professional dancers have become almost as famous as the celebrities they're paired with. Take Mark Ballas, who last season waltzed and tangoed his way to a first-place finish with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson -- his second mirror ball trophy since he joined the hit series in 2007.

At just 23, Ballas is already recognized on the street, he's in a band with fellow "Dancing" pro Derek Hough, and he's thinking about branching out into acting. For the new season of "Dancing With the Stars," which begins Monday, Ballas is paired with Melissa Joan Hart, best known for her roles in the television series "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" and "Clarissa Explains It All."

Ballas spoke to CNN about his new celebrity partner, his training routine and whether former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul could find a new home on the show.

The following is an edited version of that interview.

Mark Ballas - PEOPLE.COM

September 14, 2009

Dancing With the Stars pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy is still nursing a broken heart but is "doing okay" after his split with fellow dancer Karina Smirnoff, DWTS pal Mark Ballas tells PEOPLE

"He's doing okay but he's not happy," says Ballas, who spoke to Chmerkovskiy Wednesday night for several hours. "I know he loved Karina. He loved her very much."

Ballas says he doesn't know why his fellow dancers split but was "shell-shocked" when he learned the news. "I don't really know who made the decision but obviously he's upset," Ballas tells PEOPLE.

Mark Ballas - Dancing with the Stars 2 Time Champion

Mark Ballas, winner of 'Dancing With The Stars,' talks about dancing, music and pursuing ones dreams.

Mark Ballas was born into a dancing family as the son of dance champions Shirley and Corky Ballas. Mark is a professional ballroom dancer featured on four seasons of the hit ABC show, "Dancing with the Stars." He is also in a band with his childhood friends in which he plays lead guitar and sings lead vocals. Mark spoke with TheCelebrityCafe.com's Alexis Krellenstein about dancing with stars and music.

Alexis Krellenstein: How did you get into dancing?

Mark Ballas: My parents are several-time world champions. My mom is still considered to be one of the best coaches. When I was younger, I saw a bunch of kids dancing and that's what made me want to start dancing.

AK: How did you get picked to do "Dancing with the Stars?"

MB: I won a bunch of juvenile, junior, and youth championships and I had been dancing professionally