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

with Julianne Hough. One day I got a call from the show inviting me to be a part of DWTS. At the time, I was in a band with Derek Hough and I didn't want to quit the band. But then Derek got the same call a few minutes later, so we both decided to do it.

AK: You've been on the show for four seasons. Which of your partners was the easiest to work with and who was the hardest?

MB: The easiest would have to be a mix of Shawn Johnson and Kristi Yamaguchi because they're both athletes. Kim Kardashian was amazing. She was shy, but gave everything she had. As for the hardest, I would say my first partner during Season 5. She was not very receptive [laughs].

AK: You're a two-time DWTS champion. What's your strategy?

MB: I treat every week like it's the last week. I work really hard every week, creating different and mind-blowing routines. It's really important to get to know and trust your partner. I try to make my partner as comfortable as possible. Having fun is also very important.

AK: Do you think athletes have an unfair advantage?

MB: No. Ice skaters are hunched over when they skate and they don't have much ankle strength. You have to use your ankles when dancing. Also, they are used to having coaches, so it's easier for them to listen to instructions.

AK: Can viewers expect any new changes on season 9 of DWTS?

MB: There will be a total of 16 celebrities, as opposed to 12. The length of the season will be the same, but there will be a few double eliminations. There will also be new dances. It will be exciting!

AK: How do you feel about Paula Abdul possibly joining the show?

MB: I love Paula, so I think it would be great!

AK: Do you have a favorite and least favorite dance?

MB: The jive is fun and I like the Argentine Tango. The samba is an awkward dance because it's very bouncy. A lot of celebrities have trouble with it.

AK: You mentioned earlier that aside from dancing, you're also in a band with fellow dancer, Derek Hough, called Ballas Hough Band. Tell us a little about the band.

MB: The band is pop with a funky edge. We've been together for 9 years. I've actually known Harry, the drummer, since kindergarten. We released our debut album, BHB, earlier this year. Fans can expect our second album at the end of the year. It will have a totally different sound. We will actually be performing for the first time on the new season of DWTS.

AK: If you could only do one, music or dancing, which would it be?

MB: Well, music is my passion, so I would say music. Plus, I move alot when I sing so I would still basically be doing both.

AK: What advice would you give to aspiring dancers and musicians?

MB: Anything is possible. Just follow your heart. Be happy and do what you love. If anyone tries to stop you, it's because they're jealous.