Mark Ballas Furthers the Derek Hough Myths in a New Interview with Inside Pulse
Gee, Mark, just when I start to actually LIKE you again, you attempt to give the Derek-Myths some actual substance. Careful, your jealousy is showing. Then, look at your own partners – you’ve not exactly paid your dues either. The average age of your partners is 26, while the average age of Derek’s partners is 33. Being eliminated first doesn’t give you cred or “dues” – it just means your partner wasn’t popular (and that she wasn’t paired with Derek, since he’s had some unknown/unpopular people as well). You get it right later in the interview AFTER throwing Derek under the bus – it is luck of the draw. Too bad you had to try to discredit Derek’s accomplishments as “luck” before you got to that TRUTH.
Thank god, he put the tmz rumors about the house to rest at least.
True. He gets a point for that – but anyone with a brain knew the truth on that one, so it’s not saying much. 🙂
Derek is hot headed?????? Who is the one that goes crazy on Twitter when he doesn’t like something that’s said? Derek is passionate and will push when he knows his partner is capable.
Same guy who was going to lose his rag while with Katherine of all partners! And gets all defensive with any criticism. His green his showing. And of course the Derek critics will grab on to this as fact and ignore any proof otherwise that he works hard.
Guess if kellie or amber did a freestyle on the stripper pole like Aly he would give Derek more credit. He got greener after Derek got that Emmy win.
Mark’s just a guy – he doesn’t get to determine what is “fact” and what is his perception.
I guess you can’t blame some fans for having a distorted view of Derek’s partnerships and successes on the show if some of the pros aren’t even smart enough to figure it out, or mature enough to deal.
Derek critics don’t care who the source is or what. They will claim them as proof for themselves. Anyway Mark continues to provide plenty on how insecure he is with these comments. Remember Mark when Derek credited you for Kristi winning though everyone knew Kristi would win no matter what? Try that classy type of support.
I think you guys are being a bit harsh. I haven’t been a Mark fan in a long time, he has changed a lot and I can’t look at him with all of those tattoos. That said I don t, for one second think he is envious of Derek. They are extremely close, just look at all of Derek’s wins, who is always the first to hug him and who claps the hardest? I’m sure he thinks he is just as good as Derek but I don t believe he is envious. I didn’t feel like he was being mean, will it give the haters more ammunition?sure! but haters will hate no matter what.
Haters. LOL – I love how anyone critical of Mark is a hater, even to him. No one is above criticism, including Mark…and Derek for that matter.
Listened again. Definitely “has not”. “He hasn’t had someone a lot older.” Jennifer Grey was twice his age with serious neck & back issues. He waited until his 10th partner to get someone younger than him. “Someone who’s completely new to dancing”. Kellie Pickler, Maria Menounos, Joanna Krupa.
But why use facts when giving an interview. Just like TMZ, more fun to be creative with words to benefit yourself.
#Melissa LOL “stripper pole” love that comment. That was my exact thought when I saw that dance. Mark has always come across as very insecure. I know he thinks of Derek as a brother but he does get jealous of Derek’s wins. All the pros are. That is why they say Derek is “lucky” and not extremely talented.
OMG I’ve only listened to 2:42 minutes and not sure I can listen to anymore? I can’t believe he thinks Derek hasn’t paid his dues. Really….why can’t Mark (and others like him) accept that Derek is just THAT good at teaching. Joanna, Rickie, Maria and Amber were not easy. Same with Jennifer and all of her health issues stacked up against her.
And, geez, from all of those who are the closest to Derek, you’d think he’d know better to say such things and throw him under a bus…..something Derek would never do to him. Sad. 🙁
I’ve accepted the fact that Mark will continue to disappoint me and be a clueless dumb butt most of the time.
It REALLY makes me mad–and sad, honestly–that Derek is such a great friend/bro to Mark, on camera at least, and Mark is just…Not. Not to the same degree, anyway. Sad to see that friendships aren’t reciprocated.
I get that jealousy happens between “siblings” and friends alike. But it’s been years. YEARS. Come on, Mark.
That said, this is just my opinion. 🙂
I really agree with Vic and the “not paying his dues and lucky”comments are so offensive and just really unprofessional for someone to make about a co-worker. The jealousy and frustration from all who make these comments is just so obvious. I mean both Derek and Julianne(tho I don’t think she’s nearly as good as he) came on the show and just were so open, accessable(sp) and seemed to truly have fun and had that extra something that made an immediate connection with viewers. IMO
I am baffled by the “dues” comments because Derek has certainly had a bigger percentage of older & “problems” partners than Mark who made this comment this time. All I can think of is he’s talking about because Derek just became “known and a fav” of the audience almost instantly just because of his personality and skills where the others have taken longer and some just haven’t reached the same level of popularity…I mean THAT’s out of Derek’s hands if the audience just relates to him and he connects easier. As PH said, they should take note and try to connect in their own way and step up the quality of their work. And altho no-one wants to hear it and if you speak about facts you get called a hater—most of them probably can’t match Derek’s work. No-one can choreograph for a partners specific needs better than Derek and still have it be tv-watchable/entertaining. You can actually see when some of them try to match Derek’s style/methods and of course that doesn’t work either.
This is why I almost choked from cheering when Derek got his Emmy because he will never get the credit or appreciation even from some of his fellow dancers that he really deserves, or the true supportive friendship. Sure they pay lip service but many of them have taken subtle and not-so-subtle digs and stir up controvery and negativity towards him. I can’t remember ever being that happy about something I had nothing to do with in my whole life than Dereks Emmy lol. And I feel so sad sometimes and admire Derek so much for being able to do the amazing things he does in that environment. Don’t know if any of you have dealt with back-stabbing, jealous co-workers always out to make you look bad but it is not fun. I love and look forward to watching Derek dance and work with his partners and I think the seasons he is on are better because everyone ups their game as much as possible.
Very disappointed in what Mark says about Derek in this interview. But I’m not surprised, he tends to say stuff like this every once in a while. I just thought Mark was over it by now.
When you start making a lot of money, and the highest paid dancer ever also acts and produces, and he’s paid to show up for 30 minutes just to boost charity event sales, you can only shelter so much income with charitable donations, which Derek does often because of his heart, so managers advise you that you need to show some losses. Speculating on any celebrity’s real estate ventures or reasons is pointless because they all make diverse investments. Many are buying in the Caribbean and Montana, but they won’t live there. Buying a property to sell at a loss later is common practice, but you might make millions too, and that’ll cover you tax nut as well.
I can’t envision a reality show on H&G with Mark fetching a wrench for Derek as he attempts to fix the drain on a sink, even though I think it would be hilarious, and you know there would be drama! They’re just too busy doing their own things. Mark is the better musician and Derek is the better dancer, and everyone knows it, including Mark. He’s just not as secure or mature and clearly not as articulate and self censoring, and yes, Mark puts his foot in his mouth sometimes! Duh. LOL
And Mark, just like many normal people, has things going on that no one knows about, just as those that aren’t a fly on the wall truly have no idea what transpires in the private lives of the Ballas/Hough family. The facts seem fairly clear to me. They’re a close family and there is sibling rivalry, but there is a lot of love and loyalty. Yes, Derek is smarter and more reserved, and a publicist’s dream most of the time, and he’s respectful of the other dancers and everyone for that matter, and he’s a genius and personable, and Mark is so proud of him, and yes, just a wee bit jealous. Ya think? The choreography of 3 steps forward and 2 steps back has gotten old, but I’ve come to expect it from Mark at certain times of the month, so I’m rarely surprised. I suspect there’s a lot spinning around in that little head of his.
I think if we hit the fast forward 35 years we’d find Mark, Derek and Jules giving their grandchildren dance lessons together.
Actually, I think Derek is probably the better musician too. I certainly know I prefer his voice to Mark’s.
Did you just imply that Mark has a “time of the month”?? 😀 Oh, and let’s not start talking about his “little head”. Bwah. 🙂
First of all, WTH is that guy doing with one of Mark’s hats on his head.
Mark is definitely not my favorite, however in my opinion, he answered the question that was asked. Of the two pros, Mark felt that Cheryl had had some more challenging partners than Derek. That being said, the statement of Derek not paying his dues was completely wrong.
Ok… I just watched this interview and I don’t see anything wrong with what Mark said… I mean really… He did admit that he had some respect for the the other pros and how hard they have worked with their past celebrity… He even mentioned Bristol… I think that the real reason that people are complaining about what he said in this Interview is because he is their least favorite male pro… I hope the same thing doesn’t happen this season where his celeb is voted off because people have this hatred for MB… I am so going to be voting for his celeb this season a whoooolllleeee lot…!!!…!!!…!!!…!!!…!!!…
Derek is an amazing choreographer enough said. I felt that Mark has lost his drive for the show since partnering with Katherine. With Bristol (All-Stars), Aly and Christina I could sense that Mark was just phoning it in.
Of course you don’t, CH. But he did throw Derek under the bus and said straight up that Derek hasn’t paid his dues. He won’t even admit that, now, despite it being on video. There is nothing to debate – he wasn’t the least bit ambiguous about it.
Well, I didn’t see any matter for criticism here.
The only thing I know is that I don’t know any of them – Derek or Mark – in a daily basis. So, if one says something about the other, they probably know what they’re talking about.
That’s an absurd assumption to make – that he knows him so he knows what he’s talking about in this instance. It’s not about “knowing” someone – this is something that can actually be measured by anyone who cares to do it with an open mind. And for the record – Mark quite emphatically told me on twitter last night that he never said that (even though you can hear it on the video) and that Derek most certainly has paid his dues – when they were kids growing up together. So….which is it?
And really, saying such a thing about your “brother” whether true or not is classless and tasteless. And Mark arguing with me about it isn’t likely to change my opinion on the matter. On the contrary.
Mark shouldn’t say what he obviously said about the due, that came out totally wrongly- I think he knows. I don’t doubt that Mark loves Derek, but I think it is difficult for him accepting that Derek is more successful (5 mbt’s, 1 Emmy, upcoming film star, more popular on YouTube, on Twitter, on Insta…) If he did accept, life would be much more easier for him and he could relax more and be more comfortable. It is terrible to see him striving and struggling. He has a strong ego as his parents. Look at his mom- always reminding us that the Ballases are the main reason behind Derek’s success. When talking about Derek and his talent she very often includes Mark in the same sentence as if they were equals – and they are not. The Ballas family included Mark probably would be regarded more symphatetic if they managed to stay more in the background.
When referring to “she” I mean Shirley Ballas…
Also I really don’t get why the producers keep giving Mark pretty good partners on the show if he keeps acting like a child. Honestly.
Wow, these are really interesting comments. When Derek and Amber danced their last dance on the finale this past season, I watched Mark and he kept clapping and nodding at Derek as if to say,” that’s it you won it.” When they were finally won, Mark was the first one to come over and hug Derek and Amber. I think that it is wrong to come down so hard on Mark because of this interview. Obviously they are close friends, I cannot imagine investing together on a million dollar piece of real estate unless this they really trusted each other. I really like Derek, he is one of my favorite pros, however when he worked with Kellie Pickler, things did seem to get a little heated during the rehearsal packages. I think this is why Mark said that maybe Tristian would have worked better with Bristol, he may be slightly more patient with a true beginner. I like both Mark and Derek, actually I like all of the pros. We have to remember that they are all human like we are, they have strengths and weaknesses. No one is perfect.
You Know, let me just say this, I really hope Mark is paired with someone from the winter olympics… If it happens they will deffinately have my vote…!!!…
Imo, in this video, Mark comes across as immature and petty. He seems like he has a huge ego. Maybe it’s justified as far as his excellent dancing skills are concerned, but his choreography, singing voice and charisma are only B-minus level, imo. For him to criticize Derek (who is A-plus in every entertainment category)he must be incredibly jealous. Too bad, but Mark just hasn’t got the “it” factor & Derek has it in spades. Sorry Mark, time to deal with reality: criticizing Derek just makes you look pathetic.
I watched the interview again and I still do not see why so many were offended by his remarks. The interviewer basically set up the question about Cheryl and Derek getting celebrities with more experience and Mark just answered it. Maybe he could have worded it differently, but I do not think he meant to be insulting. I certainly have said things that later I wished I had expressed differently! It would be great if the people who moderate this site could some way just interview Derek and ask if he feels that the other pros are jealous of his success. Maybe I am being biased because I have always liked Mark, and I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
I used to love Mark, too. Looking back – when he was partnered with for instance Kirsti, Shawn and Sabrina, he seemed so happy, inspired and funny to be around. He has changed a lot. In my opinion he has become more immature opposed to Derek who has matured a lot. Watching old interviews with Shawn and Mark; when they are having mani/pedi together, when they are telling about eachother’s bad habits, when Mark is arranging a prom to get Shawn in mood for their rhumba… Mark is so sweet, caring and unselfish. I don’t know exactly what has happened to him. I suppose it is difficult for him that Derek is so successful in many areas. He also seemed to have chosen another life style. Why has i chosen to have alle these horrible tattoes? He looks a bit ravaged as if he has been drinking and partying a lot. Derek seems to be working out a lot and to be focused on staying healthy while Mark… idk. BC Jean seems to have good influence on him though opposed to his last girlfriend (Tiffany?….
I used to like Mark and would probably give him the benefit of the doubt on this one – except that he’s said just a few too many snippy, jealous, generally snarky things in the past with regards to Derek for me to write this one off as just a “poor choice of words”. And the fact that he had such a strong reaction to being called out on his response in this interview? Methinks he realized he was on the wrong side of this one and looked like kind of a jerk. I mean, I get it – it can’t be easy being the son of two of the most famous Latin champions in the world, but being second banana to your friend you grew up with that received the same training you did. I get the feeling Mark probably feels like it’s his birthright to be the wildly successful one – but I think he may have relied a bit too much on birthright to carry him, while Derek just worked his ass off. The bf was working with with a very famous, very “current” professional Latin competitor the other day (I’ll withhold his name, because I’m not sure he’d want this repeated) and they got on the topic of DWTS, particularly Mark & Derek. The competitor made the remark that “It kinda sucks for Mark – it’s his parents are the champions, but it’s Derek that has really been the successful one.” While I can understand how hard it must be for Mark, it’s also a bit hard for me to feel terribly sorry for him when I see Derek just nonstop working, while Mark goes on painfully-staged-for-paparazzi dates with American Idol castoffs, gets in fights with his gf outside of clubs, endorses smoking cessation products, and generally just putzes around. Sometimes I think their relationship will always be a bit of a Thor/Loki relationship…the hard-working golden boy vs. the jealous, mischievous younger brother.
Like Vic’s comments earlier, Astrid and Courtneys too, hit the nail on it’s head…it’s a combination of things and somewhat understandable but no accident. It really comes across as petty, sour grapes and mean especially when everyone is always getting their digs in and in years, I have NEVER heard or seen Derek say anything negative about anyone? Just one example, even with all the Maks drama, when pressed, he either changed the subject or just said everything was fine as far as he knew…
So, let me get this straight, Olivia – you think that if Derek is okay with how Mark (and others) talks (and he certainly seems to be) that we should also be okay with it?? Ummmm…no. That’s not how it works for intelligent, thinking people. Mark needs to understand this too, so listen up, Marky – I don’t drink the Derek Hough Koolaide. Just because Derek is fine with something, it does not mean that *I* have to be okay with it. Or stay quiet about it. Am I a Derek fan? Yes – a huge one, by most standards, I think. I think he’s brilliant and talented. But I also think his biggest asset is also his biggest flaw. He’s too kind and forgiving. Benevolent was the word that Courtney used the other day and I think it’s apt. Why is that a flaw? Well, because SOME people will take advantage of that and the kind boy is the one that will be terribly hurt. He ain’t Jesus, after all. 🙂
I see fans on twitter every day kissing these guys asses – they will let any of them get away with anything all in hopes of currying favor with their idol. I ain’t that kinda girl. 😀 And if that hasn’t been obvious for a very long time, then let me say it again. I say what I think – you can count on me never blowing smoke up your ass. And you know what? I think that’s a better trait than ass kissing. If you surround yourself with the ass kissers, you start believing your own PR and then your head gets too big to fit through doors and people won’t like you. Sound familiar? Now, if you don’t want to hear what I have to say DON’T READ IT. And that goes double for Marky and his fangirls stalking me on twitter. 🙂 I like a good argument – but only when BOTH sides are willing to suck it up and admit when they were wrong about something.
Like I said before, like him or not he is still an awsome pro and I hope to see him back this season and paired with another gold medalist…
CH, we heard you the first four times. Next time I start deleting you.
Hope this isn’t too far off-subject, but I want to see an interviewer ask Mark if he ditched Christina Milian the night they were booted last season, and if so, WHY?
Unless he had a severe injury, I think that was unforgivable. The poor woman’s rehearsal video that night was about her boyfriend and father of her baby cheating on her! Of all nights to leave her to explain why she was going home despite getting sky-high scores.
Sometimes we forget what’s important, and sometimes we make mistakes, and the lucky ones like Mark have someone like Derek that loves them unconditionally, flaws and all.