Shirley and Mark Ballas clash on Dancing With the Stars

During the August 10 episode of ‘Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro’, judges Shirley Ballas and Mark Ballas engaged in a tense exchange while critiquing contestants Selena Hamilton and Erik Linder.

Following a challenge from guest judge Daniella Karagach to include a ‘wow’ moment in their routines, Hamilton and Linder performed a contemporary piece centered on a moment of stillness. This choice led to a disagreement between the mother-son judging duo. Shirley Ballas argued that stillness alone does not constitute an impactful ‘wow’ moment, stating, ‘In my experience, a silent moment doesn’t mean to just stand still.’

Mark Ballas initially defended the performance, noting that the artistic choice was ‘open to interpretation,’ but he eventually aligned with his mother’s assessment that more was needed to meet the brief. Shirley concluded the exchange by reminding Mark, ‘We’re not at home now, we’re in a professional arena.’