What Happened To Shirley Ballas' Husband Corky? Unpacking Their Story

Harrison Wilkinson 30 Jul 2025

Many folks who follow the glitzy world of dance, especially those who adore Shirley Ballas from Strictly Come Dancing, often wonder about her past relationships. It's quite natural, really, to be curious about the lives of public figures. A question that pops up a lot, in fact, is "What happened to Shirley Ballas' husband Corky?" This piece aims to shed some light on their shared history and where things stand now.

Shirley, known as the "Queen of Latin," has had a truly remarkable career, filled with many achievements and, you know, a fair few personal moments that have shaped her path. Her partnership with Corky Ballas was a big part of that journey, both on the dance floor and in their private lives. Their story, you see, is a classic tale of two dancers who found love through their passion for movement.

It's a bit of a trip down memory lane for some, especially those who remember their days as top professional dancers. We'll explore their time together, the reasons their marriage ended, and what each of them has been doing since. So, if you're keen to understand what happened with Shirley Ballas and Corky, keep reading, as we'll try to cover it all.

Shirley Ballas and Corky Ballas: A Brief Biography
Personal Details and Bio Data
The Early Days: A Dance Partnership Blooms
The Marriage and Family Life
What Led to the Split?
Life After the Marriage for Shirley
Corky Ballas Since Their Divorce
Their Relationship Today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Looking Back and Moving Forward

Shirley Ballas and Corky Ballas: A Brief Biography

Shirley Ballas, born Shirley Annette Rich, grew up in Wallasey, Merseyside, and started dancing at a very young age. She quickly showed a natural gift for it, really. Her journey took her to America, where she became a top competitor in the world of Latin dance. She collected many titles, you know, and earned a reputation as one of the best.

Corky Ballas, whose full name is Mark Alexander Ballas, Sr., also came from a strong dance background. He was an American Latin dancer and choreographer. His family, in fact, had a deep connection to the dance world. When Shirley and Corky met, it was, in a way, a meeting of two dance powerhouses, both with a shared ambition to reach the very top of their sport.

Their combined talent was pretty undeniable. They formed a dance partnership that was, arguably, a force to be reckoned with. Together, they achieved a level of success that few dancers ever see, winning numerous championships and making a real mark on the international dance scene. This shared professional life, of course, was also the foundation of their personal connection.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Shirley Ballas	Corky Ballas
Full Name	Shirley Annette Ballas (née Rich)	Mark Alexander Ballas, Sr.
Born	September 6, 1960	June 25, 1960
Place of Birth	Wallasey, Merseyside, England	Houston, Texas, USA
Profession	Professional Latin Dancer, Dance Coach, Television Judge	Professional Latin Dancer, Dance Coach, Choreographer
Known For	Head Judge on Strictly Come Dancing, "Queen of Latin"	Former professional dancer, father of Mark Ballas Jr.
Marital Status (as of 2024)	Divorced from Corky Ballas; in a relationship	Divorced from Shirley Ballas; remarried
Children	1 (Mark Ballas Jr., with Corky)	1 (Mark Ballas Jr., with Shirley)

The Early Days: A Dance Partnership Blooms

Shirley and Corky first crossed paths in the competitive dance circuit. It was, you know, a time when both were making names for themselves. They formed a dance partnership in the mid-1980s, and it became clear very quickly that they had something special together on the floor. Their styles just clicked, and they pushed each other to new heights.

They became known for their innovative routines and their incredible passion. They traveled the world, competing and winning titles, really establishing themselves as a top Latin dance duo. This shared ambition and the intense amount of time they spent together, naturally, led to a deeper connection. It's often how things happen in the dance world, you see, where professional bonds can turn into personal ones.

Their success was quite remarkable, winning the British Open to the World Latin American Championship multiple times. This particular competition is, in a way, considered one of the most prestigious in the dance world. Their lives were completely intertwined, built around practice, travel, and the pursuit of dance excellence, which, you know, is a huge commitment.

The Marriage and Family Life

Shirley and Corky got married in 1985. Their union was, in some respects, a celebration of their shared love for dance and for each other. They continued their successful professional partnership even after tying the knot, which, you know, can be a challenge for many couples. Their son, Mark Ballas Jr., was born in 1986, adding another dimension to their lives.

Mark Jr. also followed in his parents' footsteps, becoming a very accomplished dancer and choreographer himself, famously known from Dancing with the Stars. The Ballas family, you could say, was a true dance dynasty. Their home life, undoubtedly, revolved a lot around the rhythms and demands of professional dance, which is a pretty unique way to grow up.

For many years, they presented a united front, both as a couple and as a dance team. They were, in fact, a fixture in the Latin dance community, respected by their peers and admired by fans. Their life was a constant whirl of training, performing, and raising their son, all while maintaining their status at the top of their field. It was, arguably, a demanding but rewarding existence.

What Led to the Split?

Despite their outward success and shared passion, Shirley and Corky's marriage eventually came to an end. They divorced in 2007, which, you know, was a surprise to some who followed their careers. The reasons for a split are, of course, often very personal and complex, and theirs was no exception.

Shirley has spoken publicly about the difficulties in their marriage, including Corky's alleged infidelity. She has been quite open about the pain and challenges she faced during that time. It's a situation many people can relate to, where, you know, trust gets broken and relationships just can't recover. It was, apparently, a very tough period for her.

Ending a long-term marriage, especially one so deeply tied to a professional partnership, is, naturally, a huge upheaval. It meant not only separating their personal lives but also finding new paths in their dance careers. For Shirley, it was a time of significant change, prompting her to rethink her future, which, you know, is a big deal for anyone.

Life After the Marriage for Shirley

After her divorce from Corky, Shirley Ballas continued to thrive in the dance world. She focused on coaching and judging, becoming a highly sought-after expert. Her reputation as the "Queen of Latin" only grew, you see, as she shared her vast knowledge with a new generation of dancers. She was, in fact, incredibly busy with her work.

Her career took a massive turn in 2017 when she was announced as the Head Judge on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. This role catapulted her into mainstream fame in the UK, making her a household name. It was, arguably, a huge moment for her, bringing her talent and personality to millions of viewers every week. She's been a fantastic addition to the show, honestly.

Shirley has also been very open about her personal life since then. She found love again with actor Danny Taylor, and they seem very happy together. She often talks about their relationship and how supportive he is, which, you know, is lovely to hear. Shirley's story is, in a way, one of resilience and finding joy after a difficult period.

You can learn more about Shirley's journey on our site, as we often cover stories about dance legends. It's fascinating to see how she keeps moving forward.

Corky Ballas Since Their Divorce

Corky Ballas also continued his career in dance after the divorce. He remained a respected figure as a coach and choreographer. He's known for his contributions to the Latin dance scene, and, you know, many dancers still look up to him for his expertise. He has, apparently, continued to work with various dance projects and competitions.

He remarried after his divorce from Shirley. His life, too, has moved on, with new chapters and experiences. Corky has, in some respects, maintained a more private profile compared to Shirley, especially since her rise to fame on Strictly. He still teaches and coaches, keeping his passion for dance very much alive, which is, you know, what you'd expect from someone so dedicated.

Corky's influence on his son, Mark Ballas Jr., is also pretty clear. Mark has often spoken about his father's guidance and how it shaped his own career in dance. It's nice to see that family connection remain strong, even after the changes in the parents' relationship. He's been involved in some big dance shows, too, like Dancing with the Stars, where his son became a big star.

Their Relationship Today

While Shirley and Corky are no longer married, they do share a son, Mark Jr., and a long history in the dance world. They have, in a way, managed to maintain a civil relationship for the sake of their family. This is, arguably, a testament to their maturity and their shared love for their son. It's not always easy, of course, but they seem to make it work.

Shirley has mentioned that they communicate when needed, particularly concerning Mark Jr.'s life and career. It's a common situation for divorced parents, you know, finding a way to co-parent effectively. They both support Mark in his endeavors, which is, naturally, the most important thing for any child of divorced parents.

They might not be a couple anymore, but their story is a significant part of dance history. They were a formidable partnership, and their individual contributions to the world of Latin dance are still very much felt today. It shows that even when relationships change, the impact of what you built together can last, which, in a way, is a rather lovely thought.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

People often have more questions about Shirley and Corky, so here are a few common ones:

Is Shirley Ballas still married to Corky?

No, Shirley Ballas is not still married to Corky Ballas. They divorced in 2007. Shirley has since moved on and is in a relationship with Danny Taylor. Corky has also remarried, so, you know, they both found new partners after their split.

How long were Shirley and Corky Ballas married?

Shirley and Corky Ballas were married for 22 years. They tied the knot in 1985 and their marriage ended in 2007. That's a pretty long time, actually, especially considering the demands of their professional dance careers during those years.

Do Shirley and Corky Ballas have any children together?

Yes, Shirley and Corky Ballas have one child together, their son Mark Ballas Jr. Mark is also a very well-known professional dancer and choreographer, famous for his appearances on Dancing with the Stars. He, in a way, carries on their dance legacy.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

The story of Shirley Ballas and Corky Ballas is a rather interesting one, really. It shows how two people can come together through a shared passion, build something truly remarkable, and then, you know, navigate separate paths when their personal journey takes a different turn. Their time together was, in some respects, incredibly impactful on the dance world.

Shirley's rise to being a household name on Strictly Come Dancing has, of course, brought renewed interest in her past. It's a natural curiosity when someone reaches that level of public recognition. Her willingness to speak openly about her experiences, including the challenges, helps people understand what happened and how she got to where she is today.

Both Shirley and Corky have continued to contribute significantly to the dance community, each in their own way. Their legacy as dancers and coaches is, arguably, secure, and their son Mark carries on their talent. It's a story of change, resilience, and the enduring power of dance, which, you know, is pretty inspiring. You can learn more about other famous dance partnerships by exploring our other articles. We hope this has given you a clearer picture of what happened with Shirley Ballas and Corky.

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