2387 replies to this topic

[Micha]

I thought I'd start a thread for Mark since he's one of our new professionals this season. I am so excited to see him dance. His family is legendary and I hope he lives up to the name.

Mark is partnered with Sabrina Bryan (from The Cheetah Girls) this season.

Edited by Micha, Aug 29, 2007 @ 1:44 PM.

[RunninRedbird]

His father trained the Houghs, right?

[SoCalLabRat]

Both his father and mother were the Houghs' coaches. Mark and Julianne won the Junior and Youth World Championships together.

Edited by SoCalLabRat, Aug 29, 2007 @ 6:33 PM.

[motabrody]

I knew I had seen him somewhere before. I was looking at his myspace and thinking, "This guy looks familiar..." Now I know where. What has he been up to recently? I haven't heard much of anything from him since he won.

I would post videos of him dancing, but all what that video website gives me is vids of his band. Which coincidentally, also features Derek.

[provencal]

After SYTYCD this summer, I thought DWTS would be a huge let-down. But with Julianne, Derek AND Mark Ballas? This should be interesting. I'm keen on seeing them rather than the so-called stars. I'm glad they got young guns like Derek and Mark, too, otherwise it might have been the Julianne Hough show.

[MarkC99]

His Myspace. Do you think he sort of likes London? I can't tell from his page.

None of the new male pros introduced the past few seasons have stuck around. First there was poor Jesse, who was stuck with Shanna Moakler and left the second week. Then the weird orange man who was with Shandi last season. I hope Mark will have more success.

[peaches222]

waitasec. Who crowned him prince? That crown is reserved for Maks. :p

[Micha]

After SYTYCD this summer, I thought DWTS would be a huge let-down. But with Julianne, Derek AND Mark Ballas? This should be interesting. I'm keen on seeing them rather than the so-called stars. I'm glad they got young guns like Derek and Mark, too, otherwise it might have been the Julianne Hough show.

I absolutely agree, provencal. I'm more excited for the new professionals than any of the stars, though that may change. ;)

None of the new male pros introduced the past few seasons have stuck around. First there was poor Jesse, who was stuck with Shanna Moakler and left the second week. Then the weird orange man who was with Shandi last season. I hope Mark will have more success.

I hope so, too. However, the fact that he and Julianne won at Blackpool makes the chances of him being a keeper, exceptionally good.

waitasec. Who crowned him prince? That crown is reserved for Maks. :p

LOL! Well, Mark is from England and his parents are the closest thing to ballrooom royalty that we have currently. Hence, the title of this thread. Maks, isn't a crown prince type...he's a firey Russian czar type. He's too explosive to be an English Crown Prince. ;)

Edited by Micha, Aug 30, 2007 @ 4:36 PM.

[arlykeeno]

Not getting into this fight, except that Russia had princes, too. Veal Prince Orloff, anyone?

[Micha]

Not getting into this fight, except that Russia had princes, too. Veal Prince Orloff, anyone?

arlykeeno, you are correct, Russia did have princes. It wasn't Russia not having princes that made me think of Maks as a Czar. It was because I just thought he'd, of course, have to be the King, not a lowly prince. I don't think we were fighting, as so much, just having fun naming all the lovely newbies we have this season. ;)

Edited by Micha, Aug 30, 2007 @ 4:27 PM.

[Elsa]

I guess this is Marky singing the song on his myspace -- the song is by his band Almost Amy -- and I don't think it sounds like Derek (though it may be):

http://profile.myspa...iendid=13231243

And he says he met the "love of his life" at age 12. That's really gotta be Julianne, doesn't it, since she met him when he was 12 (and she was 10!)? Though I realize he's got Fiona now. And I don't think Julianne links to Mark's myspace on hers though she does to Derek's.

I think I've regressed to age 12 but what the heck. Can't dance, might as well obsess...

Edited by Elsa, Aug 31, 2007 @ 1:25 AM.

[Micha]

I guess this is Marky singing the song on his myspace -- the song is by his band Almost Amy -- and I don't think it sounds like Derek (though it may be):

http://profile.myspa...iendid=13231243

And he says he met the "love of his life" at age 12. That's really gotta be Julianne, doesn't it, since she met him when he was 12 (and she was 10!)? Though I realize he's got Fiona now. And I don't think Julianne links to Mark's myspace on hers though she does to Derek's.

Interesting quote, Elsa. It does seem more than likely that it was Julianne, if he met her when he was 12, and that's when Julianne moved in with them. I wonder if they are on good terms, huh? If they aren't, it could make it uncomfortable for them when they have to dance together, which I am sure they will this season or it could possibly have the effect of bringing them closer again. Then, they can get past whatever made them grow apart in the first place and become friends again.

All speculation aside, I am really excited to see them dance together. I'm sure there is a very good reason, as a pair, they won the junior and youth international titles. Is it Sept 24th, yet? ;)

Edited by Micha, Aug 31, 2007 @ 9:52 AM.

[MarkC99]

I had such high hopes for Mark when I saw his Myspace. Even more when I saw his gorgeous body and handsome face on the show. Then he started with the happy, hyper, peppy, 1950's overexuberance, and he made Julianne seem like Daniele Donato.

He needs to take it way down, because people don't like that cheeriness. He should tell his partner the same thing.

[RunninRedbird]

Oh, I don't know about that. Benji Schwimmer won with just that kind of cheeriness/goofiness.

[MarkC99]

Benji had a contrasting partner in Donyelle, and Benji had a chance to endear himself to viewers because they saw his backstory. SYTYCD has a younger audience. I'm not sure if viewers here will tolerate too much perkiness. Putting him with someone even more overbearing was a bad idea.

[ByTheWay]

I loved Mark's enthusiasm. I have some dance instruction videos by Corky and Shirley Ballas and Mark not only resembles his father in appearance but they have similar personalities. Since this was his first show, I think some of the excess energy might be nerves and he'll burn it off as the competition continues.

Benji had a contrasting partner in Donyelle ... MarkC99

I think Sabrina's personality, sort of the excitable teenager type, makes both seem even more hyper. I think Mark did a great job with Sabrina and I loved the energy in the routine (ymmv).

<somewhat off topic>
What I would love to see is Corky and Shirley make a guest appearance on the show to do a performance.

[EmbraceTheDark]

I really enjoyed the "dancing ninja" and I loved his enthusiasm and energy. I thought he was absolutely adorable and refreshing. I thought it was cute when he was "teaching" her the difference between hip-hop and Latin.

As for Sabrina, meh. She's got a strong personality and she'll probably need to tone that down, but she doesn't annoy me (then again, I'm a pretty big fan of SYTYCD and I'm used to the big personalities). The actual routine was pretty fun and sharp, but yeah the hip-hop was kind of out of place.

Edited by EmbraceTheDark, Sep 25, 2007 @ 7:09 AM.

[MamaLilly]

This couple was my pick as far as the ladies are concerned and I was not disappointed. They did not need the hip hop and hopefully learned that the judges don't like when you change the dances. That said, it was the dance of the night and I would not be surprised if it is the encore dance, if they are still doing that.

[DarkVamp70]

I recall way back in the 1990s watching PBC where Mark Ballas' Mom and Dad did the most fun routines. The pair always blended the more traditional elements of the dance with something playful. For me, it was a joy to watch. So I see where Mark gets that penchant for adding non-traditional moves.

Besides, I'm tired of Len's old fogey ideas about "proper" dancing. (YMMV....)

[RunninRedbird]

All Len needs is a hairpiece, and we can start calling him "Barry".

[mkny1027]

how is anyone not commenting on the plethora of kisses he planted on Sabrina? It was pretty scandalous IMHO, for the first episode!! unless everyone already knows that they are a couple? this is my speculation. I'm using the term 'scandalous' loosely here.

[peaches222]

EH, Tony kissed Stacy first week and Sara after the samba or something. Maks kissed Tia after the Tango.

[DarkVamp70]

This is totally random....The jacket he wore last night looked like the same one Louis wore for his S3 mambo with Monique.

Edited by DarkVamp70, Sep 25, 2007 @ 4:30 PM.

[provencal]

Hey...Mark Ballas' thread is on page 3? What is up, people? This guy needs more attention!
I figured out why he is so attractive when he dances -- unlike many other male dancers like Derek Hough, Mark dances masculine. I doubt you will hear people wondering if he is straight. All the pros are dynamic and talented, but Mark has got testosterone.

Edited by provencal, Sep 27, 2007 @ 10:41 PM.

[yesenializ]

I really liked him but could not bring myself to vote for Cheetos girl. She annoyed me to no end, with her perma-smile, overdone hair extensions and overall personality. Blech...

Mark, on the other hand... yummy!

[provencal]

She was kinda Cheetos-y... very orange.
Heaven help me, but I'm inclined to believe the rumours that are flying about them. Mark did look smitten to me in the off-stage interview, and she probably knows a good thing when she sees it.

[justmy2cents]

Oh, don't dash my daydreams just yet, provencal. I choose to believe it was a platonic, affectionate kiss. It is nice to see him be so affectionate to her and for her to look like she's enjoying the attention, though. Good chemistry counts for a lot.

All Len needs is a hairpiece, and we can start calling him "Barry".

Hee. Actually, he reminds me more of the Strictly Ballroom Dad. Put glasses on him and I bet he's there.

[sgupta4]

I rewatched the video from their segment, he gave her flowers, pink roses to be specific. And when she commented that they are her favorite, he said he had done his research. She maybe Cheetos-orange but that orange glow hasn't blinded her to his yumminess.

[Elsa]

There is so much to love about this guy. And about the hugs and kisses - he does it so nonchalantly, like she's an old friend, or like someone who's very touchy-feely with everybody. I'm not getting anything more out of it - if there were something going on, this soon, I think there'd be more reticence - or more of a reaction from her when he does it - it would be more electrically-charged if that makes any sense. It's just something warm and sweet that he does. It's just his way, imo. Deliciously gallant.

But anyhow, romance, faux-showmance, who cares? This guy's scrumptious. He and Albert are the sex kings, imo, when I expected Helio to be (he's debonair and cute as a button but I'm not reading sexy yet but maybe when he hits the Latin numbers...) And with Albert, he's sexy to look at but a bit distant or distracted or something? Marky's the sexy type that you want to DO, not just ogle. Well, YMMV of course, lol.

And sooo right, provencal, about the masculinity thing. He's so damned young that it's completely unexpected - and he, like Albert, doesn't dodge the goofy/dorky bits, but in Marky's case even more than Albert's, it doesn't make a dent in the machismo. I think some of it is a deep confidence in his ability, but it can't be all of it. Whew lordy. Maybe his quick sense of humor, the easy smiles and laughter, and the free-floating playfulness and joie de vivre. And now that I rethink it, maybe some of it actually IS the fawning and kissing, lol. When Julianne twirled around into his lap or whatever, he put his hands all over her legs and waist, while Derek let his hang down by his own side, not coming into contact with Cheryl (sitting on his lap) any more than was necessary. I think Marky just does that by instinct - and he's not tentative about it either. In practice, he was grabbing her hips to adjust her movement, kneeling down and holding her foot in his hand - twisting it for her to demonstrate technique - he was all over her, but fearlessly/nonchalantly, like it wasn't a big deal. Nothing bashful or tentative about that guy. Hell, he's not tentative about ANYthing, which adds to the tough-guy thing he's got going on.

I watched his face very carefully (as I always do, lol) when Len said he was going to deduct a "few points" for the hip hop. In a nervous-nelly type, you'd see a flicker of concern. Mark's face erupted into a huge natural grin and I think he looked over at somebody in the audience, like he thought that was funny -- he didn't flinch a bit. He's a cool customer - and I think he's hotter than a firecracker for it (and all the rest.) And it doesn't hurt that his body's solid and not over-wiry/skinny like several of the others. Oh, and he doesn't over-perform or over-wiggle like I think Alec, Derek, even Tony has a tendency to do. And he doesn't over pose and compete w/his partner for attention like Maks does. He's just damned near perfect! I really hope she does well with the smooths -- I'm anxious to see him do them too. If you're a champion Latin dancer (which I assume he was w/Julianne), does that mean you still spend a good bit of time learning Waltz, Foxtrot and the like too?? I mean, I can't imagine him being anything but a fabulous dancer, but just how much time do the Latin specialists spend on the non-Latin ballroom dances?

Josie made me sad and I cried when she left (I know - I'm a total idiot.) I might just take to my bed in hysteria if Marky leaves. Well, I exaggerate, but I don't know if I'd have the heart left to keep watching. It's such an exquisitely titillating pleasure to watch that guy dance!! (And I like Sabrina too -- I keep looking for what's rubbing people the wrong way and I guess I just don't see it -- she's plucky but I wouldn't call her arrogant or even sassy (like Mel B - whom I adore, but she's much more feisty during training that Sabrina.) When Drew said she made a higher score than he did, Sabrina reached her arm over to put it on his back in like an automatic reaction of concern, and she's seemed really excited/happy for the other dancers. And she seems very attentive and malleable, trying to do exactly what Mark wants her to, without griping or whining or making excuses - she just throws herself into learning it. Maybe what people don't like is that touch of hip hop trash talk or something? -- whatever, I like it. I wish more girls had her type of confidence and never-say-die determination. I wish I'd had it when I was her age.

Edited by Elsa, Sep 28, 2007 @ 2:13 AM.

[skylighter]

Elsa you are really cute with all of your Mark-love. Of course, I am right there with you. I know it's early but this guy is really winning me over. I tape the show so that I can fast-forward to the dances but I made a point of going back to watch his and Sabrina's rehearsal footage. That very slight English accent is adorable and he actually looked good doing those hiphop moves.

He's just damned near perfect! I really hope she does well with the smooths -- I'm anxious to see him do them too. If you're a champion Latin dancer (which I assume he was w/Julianne), does that mean you still spend a good bit of time learning Waltz, Foxtrot and the like too?? I mean, I can't imagine him being anything but a fabulous dancer, but just how much time do the Latin specialists spend on the non-Latin ballroom dances?

I vaguely remember reading that Mark also competed in Standard as a youth so I'm thinking that he should do quite well by Sabrina in terms of teaching her.

From what I've observed, the kids who are on the pro-track start out learning all 10 dances for Latin and Standard (or 9 if they are doing Rhythm and Smooth). As they get older they usually choose to concentrate on Latin or Standard OR they might choose to become 10-dancers and compete at both. I think concentrating on one style leaves little time to perfect your technique on the other which is why some of our Latin pros don't look as great comparatively when they they do the Standard/Smooth dances with their celebs. Of course, they still look a million times better than most of us would, but you can definitely see a difference between Alec dancing the Foxtrot and Jonathan dancing the Foxtrot.

(And I like Sabrina too -- I keep looking for what's rubbing people the wrong way and I guess I just don't see it -- she's plucky but I wouldn't call her arrogant or even sassy (like Mel B - whom I adore, but she's much more feisty during training that Sabrina.) When Drew said she made a higher score than he did, Sabrina reached her arm over to put it on his back in like an automatic reaction of concern, and she's seemed really excited/happy for the other dancers. And she seems very attentive and malleable, trying to do exactly what Mark wants her to, without griping or whining or making excuses - she just throws herself into learning it. Maybe what people don't like is that touch of hip hop trash talk or something? -- whatever, I like it.

She's bouncy and perky which can annoy some people. It usually annoys me too, but she really just seems to be one of those people who is genuinely happy and excited about things so I'm not really bothered by it.

Oh and count me in as one of those who is very much looking forward to seeing Mark dance the Paso Doble. Matador indeed.