Dancing Has Made DWTS Mark Ballas A Stronger Musician (New Alexander Jean Interview)

Mark Ballas And BC Jean talked with the Salt Lake Tribune all about their music and relationship. Read below how Mark says dancing has helped his music evolve and how their tour has made him and BC even closer.

“We just had a natural chemistry,” Ballas said, prompting them to start writing together. Their first song, “Head High,” became the title track of their EP and the title of their tour.

“We just found that it was a unique sound,” Jean said. “Nothing forced.”

While Ballas may be best known for his dancing, music is nothing new for him. He’s been playing the guitar and the drums since he was a kid, along with writing, arranging and producing.

He resists the idea that his success on “Dancing with the Stars” — he’s performed on 14 seasons and won twice — should in any way pigeonhole him as a dancer. Or, worse yet, leave the impression that he’s just dabbling in music.

“This is what I do. This is not a vanity project of any kind,” he said. “The other stuff has nothing to do with this at all. If anything, it makes me stronger as a musician.

“When you see us performing live, you can’t deny it. I’ve been playing for 20 years.”

“And,” Jean added, “I can see where his choreographer ability and his dance ability is only strengthening his music.”

Ballas and Jean are touring as a duo — just the two of them onstage, but he engineers the loop station, creating a much larger sound.

“You’d think there’s four or five guys up there,” Jean said. “It’s pretty cool that the sound is that big with just two people up there.”

Lots more at Salt Lake Tribune. This is one of the most interesting interviews on them I’ve read yet. Only six shows left. Don’t forget to get your “Head High” tickets here.