Shirley Ballas is one of the world’s most decorated Latin and ballroom dancers, known for her glittering professional records and stage presence as the Head Judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. This article explores her life, family, achievements, controversies, recent news, and answers common FAQs.
Early Life and Family
Shirley Annette Ballas (née Rich, formerly Stopford) was born on September 6, 1960, in Wallasey, Cheshire (now Merseyside), England. Raised by her mother, Audrey, after her father left when she was two, Shirley grew up with her older brother David. Her heritage is notably diverse; through TV’s Who Do You Think You Are?, she discovered descent from an enslaved Muslim woman from Madagascar and a paternal great-grandfather born in Cape Town, South Africa.
Shirley’s family has had its share of tragedy; her brother, David Rich, sadly died by suicide in 2003. She is extremely close to her son Mark Ballas (from her marriage to Corky Ballas), himself a professional dancer and musician. She has maintained strong ties with her mother, Audrey, often speaking about her support and resilience.
Career and Achievements
Dancing Success:
- Shirley began dancing competitively at age 7, moving through several dance partners and touring the UK and US for competitions.
- Nicknamed the “Queen of Latin,” Shirley is a three-time British Open World Latin American Champion (the only person to win with two different partners), a ten-time US Latin American Champion, and a multiple-time British National Champion.
- By age 21, she had won almost every major title, becoming the youngest female to reach the finals at the Blackpool British Open and the World Dance Championships, a feat she repeated 17 times across her career.
- She retired from competition in 1996 but became one of the top adjudicators and teachers in the world, coaching many dancers to professional success.
Media Career:
- Since 2017, Shirley Ballas has been the Head Judge on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, internationally renowned for her expert feedback, warmth, and candour.
- She’s also authored books, appeared in documentaries, and has been featured on a variety of British TV shows, including Doctor Who and Desert Island Discs.
Honours and Records:
- Three Carl Alan Awards (the “Oscars” of the dance world).
- Teacher of the Year Award.
- Inducted into both the US and the Great Britain Dance Halls of Fame.
- Variety Club Legends of Industry Award.
Shirley Ballas’ Family and Personal Life
Notable Relations:
- She was first married to Sammy Stopford (her dance partner) at age 18. Their partnership won the Blackpool Professional Latin event in 1983.
- Later, she married Corky Ballas, with whom she moved to Houston, Texas, and won Blackpool Professional Latin in 1995 and 1996.
- Their son, Mark Ballas, is a successful professional dancer and musician.
- Remains close to her mother, Audrey, and herself experienced emotional challenges related to family tragedies.
- Currently single, she’s been candid about focusing on her career and personal well-being following her divorce.
Recent News
- In 2025, Shirley Ballas discussed feeling “20 years younger” after a non-surgical facial procedure, addressing rumours about having a facelift.
- In April 2025, news broke of a six-year stalking ordeal by Kyle Sha, who believed Shirley was his aunt, resulting in a suspended prison sentence and a restraining order protecting Shirley and her family.
- Continues as Head Judge on Strictly Come Dancing, presiding over the new series alongside regular media appearances and advocacy for dance education.
Controversies
Though widely respected, Shirley Ballas has faced:
- False rumours about plastic surgery procedures, she has addressed these openly in interviews.
- Criticism and heated debates over some Strictly Come Dancing scores, which she addresses by explaining her commitment to honest, constructive feedback for dancers.
- The stalking incident caused significant distress and led her to advocate for stronger protections for public figures and their families.
Community Advocacy & Teaching
- Shirley champions dance education globally, acting as President of the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing), attending events, making media appearances, and mentoring teachers and students.
- She remains one of the leading figures in international ballroom adjudication, frequently appearing at major competitions.
Television and Media Presence
- Shirley has successfully carried her “Queen of Latin” reputation into her television career, becoming an authoritative and beloved face of Strictly Come Dancing.
- Her personality, warm, straightforward, and passionate, continues to inspire both TV audiences and aspiring dancers globally.
Shirley Ballas by the Numbers
FAQs About Shirley Ballas
Who is Shirley Ballas?
Shirley Ballas is a world-famous British ballroom dancer, dance teacher, and television personality, currently serving as Head Judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
What are Shirley Ballas’s greatest dance achievements?
She is a three-time British Open Latin Champion, ten-time US Latin Champion, multiple British National Champion, and holds several judging and teaching honours, including induction into multiple Dance Halls of Fame.
Has Shirley Ballas faced any controversies?
Ballas has faced media rumours about cosmetic surgery, criticism for her TV judging, and a distressing stalking ordeal, which she overcame by advocating for mental health and public safety.
What is Shirley Ballas’s family background?
Shirley grew up in Wallasey with her mother, Audrey, and brother, David. She experienced challenging family loss, was married to two dance partners, and has a son, Mark Ballas, who is also a professional dancer.
Is Shirley Ballas still competing or teaching dance?
While she no longer competes, Shirley Ballas remains a top teacher, adjudicator, and advocate for dance education worldwide, holding positions in major dance organisations like the ISTD.
What is the latest news about Shirley Ballas?
Recently, she discussed her rejuvenation after a non-surgical procedure and completed a court process regarding a six-year stalker incident. She continues to be prominent as Head Judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
How does she influence the dance world today?
Ballas influences dance through TV, her teaching, advocacy for professional standards, and global mentoring of dancers and instructors.
Shirley Ballas: Legacy and Influence
Shirley Ballas lives up to her nickname, Queen of Latin, with a record that remains unmatched in the world of competitive dance. Her resilience through personal and public challenges, combined with her relentless pursuit of excellence and advocacy for dance, continues to inspire millions. Her career as a performer, teacher, judge, and television personality spans decades and continents, cementing her as one of the most influential figures in dance history. Her legacy is felt not just on the dancefloor, but in the hearts of audiences, students, and professionals worldwide
