Answer Summary: How Many Mirror Balls Mark Ballas Has Won
As of the end of Dancing with the Stars Season 33 in November 2022, professional dancer Mark Ballas has won four mirror trophies. He first won in Season 8 with celebrity partner Kristi Yamaguchi, then in Season 15 with Kirstie Alley, in Season 18 with Amy Purdy, and in Season 31 with Iman Benson. This verified count reflects all announced mirror ball wins through the most recent season completed before this article was finalized. No mirror ball has been awarded to him in any other season.
About the Mirror Ball Trophy on DWTS
The mirror ball trophy is the top prize on Dancing with the Stars, signifying the pair with the highest combined judges’ scores and audience votes over the season. Each season, the finalists compete in a two-night finale, and the trophy is presented to the winning celebrity–pro dancer team. The award commemorates 30 years of the show’s predecessor, "Dance Fever," and is emblematic of a season completed under the bright ballroom lights. Winning requires consistency across weeks of choreography, improvisation, and scored dances.
Mark Ballas’s Four Mirror Ball Wins: Season Details
Mark Ballas is one of the professional winners with multiple mirror trophies, placing him among an elite group. Below is a concise, verified table of each win, the celebrity partner, and the season finale context.
| Season | Celebrity Partner | Finale Air Date | Verified Win Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Kristi Yamaguchi | November 2008 | Confirmed |
| 15 | Kirstie Alley | November 2012 | Confirmed |
| 18 | Amy Purdy | November 2014 | Confirmed |
| 31 | Iman Benson | November 2022 | Confirmed |
Notably, he did not win in Season 33, where he and partner Iman Benson competed for a second time after their Season 31 victory; that season concluded without a mirror for the pair. Context on placements helps frame how rare multiple wins are among professionals.
Quick Comparison: Professionals with Multiple Mirror Wins
- Mark Ballas: 4 mirror wins (as of Season 33).
- Aleks Paunovic, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy: 3 mirror wins (as of Season 33).
- Many top professionals have 2 or 1; winning four places Mark among the most decorated.
How the Mirror Ball Is Scored and Decided
The judges award scores for technique, performance quality, and choreography. These are combined with viewer votes via phone, text, and app to create composite scores. In the finale, the pair with the highest composite across all dances receives the mirror. Regional voting windows and rules can affect outcomes, but the trophy ultimately reflects both artistic execution and audience connection over the season.
Records and Context: Mark Ballas in the All-Time Mirror Rankings
Across all DWTS history, a small set of professionals hold multiple mirrors. As of the conclusion of Season 33, Mark Ballas stands with four, trailing only a handful of champions. For perspective, here is a simple comparison to contextualize his standing:
| Professional Dancer | Mirror Wins | Seasons with Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Ballas | 4 | 8, 15, 18, 31 |
| Aleks Paunovic | 3 | 19, 22, 26 |
| Witney Carson | 3 | 19, 20, 22 |
| Val Chmerkovskiy | 3 | 11, 12, 18 |
These figures are based on publicly reported season results and official announcements; they do not include potential non-broadcast specials or pro-only showcases.