Shirley Ballas

Shirley Ballas is a highly accomplished ballroom dancer, world-renowned dance teacher, adjudicator, and television personality, celebrated for her expertise in International Latin dance. After winning the Professional Latin title at the Blackpool Dance Festival in 1983 with Sammy Stopford, Shirley Ballas solidified her status as a leading figure in ballroom dance. Her early career included a partnership with British Ballroom Champion Nigel Tiffany before her highly successful collaboration with Stopford. Ballas later partnered with American ballroom dancer Corky Ballas in 1985, relocating to Houston, Texas, to advance their competitive careers.

In 2018, she featured in an episode of the acclaimed documentary series ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’. Diversifying her professional portfolio, Ballas authored her autobiography, ‘Behind the Sequins: My Life,’ released in October 2020. She further showcased her versatile talent by winning ‘Taskmaster’ in 2021. Her literary pursuits continued with the release of her debut novel, ‘Murder on the Dance Floor,’ in October 2023.

Looking ahead, Ballas is set to appear as a contestant in ‘Celebrity Bear Hunt’ in 2025, further cementing her status as a versatile and inspiring public figure.