Why Mark Ballas Should Be a Permanent Judge on DWTS

During Season 33, Episode 5 of Dancing with the Stars, there was a reunion in the ballroom. Former DWTS pro Mark Ballas was a guest judge. Viewers know that Mark and former dance pro-turned-judge Derek Hough are best friends.

I loved seeing Mark hanging out with judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. The group had great banter, and it was wonderful to see their camaraderie. Unlike recent guest judge Gene Simmons, who gave zero to the ballroom aside from uncomfortable comments.

So, having Mark there on “Dedication Night” was extra special, as Derek danced with his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough. In December 2023, Hayley required emergency surgery for a serious brain bleed. As you may recall, Mark was Derek’s best man when Derek and Hayley tied the knot in August 2023. It was only fitting that Mark was there to celebrate Derek and Hayley’s first dance in the ballroom since her medical crises.

However, Mark’s stellar performance impressed both fans and the DWTS cast. Is it time to add a fourth judge? Here’s why Mark Ballas should be a permanent judge on DWTS.

Mark Ballas is knowledgeable and gives great feedback

I cannot stress enough how wonderful it was to have a knowledgeable and invested guest judge on the panel. Mark gave thoughtful feedback and was strict when necessary. However, he was also able to highlight what the contestants did correctly.

Plus, what made him stand out were his demonstrations. He gave visual demos of how to improve, which I’m sure was more helpful than just general advice like, “more hip action.” Also, his mother, Shirley Ballas, is the head judge on Britain’s Strictly Come Dancing. So, it is safe to say that both dancing and judging are in Mark’s genes.

In addition, Mark and his mother both trained with former DWTS head judge, the legendary Len Goodman. Sadly, Len passed away shortly after retiring from the show. Season 32 featured a tribute from both present and past dance pros. Mark returned to perform in the gorgeous Waltz dedicated to Len. Other returning pros included Anna Trebunskaya, Louis van Amstel, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff, Edyta Sliwinska, Tony Dovolani, and Kym Johnson Herjavec. Still, Len is dearly missed by the cast and fans.

Mark understands what the contestants and pros are feeling

After a five-year break, Mark returned to compete in the ballroom for Season 31 of DWTS. He was paired with Charli D’Amelio. The duo slayed every dance, and they brought home the Mirrorball. Mark’s choreography was inventive, emotional, and entertaining. It certainly ticked all the boxes for me.

However, during a Las Vegas DWTS performance, Mark shared that he was retiring. “I started this journey when I was 21, 22. Honestly, being able to dance and perform for you fans, you guys are the best fans. Thank you,” he stated.  

Mark continued, “I’m not saying this is the end, [but] this is the last time I will be dancing with a [celebrity] partner. And I wanted to finish this with Charli, and I appreciate you guys so much.”

Since Mark competed recently, he has a good grasp of what the contestants, and their partners, are experiencing. This is a terrific attribute since he knows what the couples are grappling with during the competition. Having a judge who has recently competed would be an incredible asset for DWTS. 

The other DWTS judges would love to have Mark Ballas on the panel

Since Len’s retirement, the show has used a lean and mean three-judge format, sometimes adding in a guest judge. But right now, it sounds like Derek and Carrie Ann are all for making Mark a permanent fixture at the judges’ table. After all, the quartet had magical chemistry.  

“I’m absolutely here for it. I think Mark has a lot to offer,” Derek told US Weekly. “He has a lot of wisdom and insight and experience.” He added, “So I would love it. And I was honestly taking some notes. You know, he was saying some things, I was like, ‘I like that.’ He’s wonderful,” Derek added.

However, Derek wasn’t the only judge who was moved by Mark’s judging debut. “Mark Ballas was a phenomenal guest judge. I hope he comes back again and again!” Carrie Ann told Entertainment Weekly. “I loved his demonstration of technique, and I scribbled him a little note during the show that read, ‘Len would be very proud of you.'”

She added, “I think Mark was touched. He asked to keep the note which in turn touched me.” In Mark’s carousel of Instagram photos is a photo of Carrie Ann’s note. How sweet!

DWTS fans want to see Mark Ballas added to the judges’ desk

And of course, Mark also thanked the fans. “lastly THANK YOU to the fans for the kind words, love + support. It truly means so much & I’ll never take it for granted. I appreciate you all,” he said. “Till next time.”

Of course, DWTS fans shared their feelings about Mark’s judging performance. “You were so good! Such great, useful feedback!” one fan wrote. Another fan commented, “Mark, we need you as permanent judge! You’re one of my favorite pros and I’ve missed you in the ballroom!”

A third posted, “@dancingwiththestars Please make @markballas a permanent judge! He was PERFECTION!” Finally, another user shared, “Maybe a permanent 4th!”

Having the support of both fans and judges is crucial when adding someone to the panel since Len’s passing. In addition, Mark showed his passion for teaching and his ability to give easy-to-understand tips. For all these reasons, Mark Ballas should be a permanent judge on DWTS.