DWTS Pro Mark Ballas Says Derek Hough Helped Him Cope After Wife’s Miscarriage: “Top Hardest Moments of My Life”
Life can be a roller coaster of triumphs and trials, and even the brightest stars face moments of deep grief. For Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas, the pain of his wife BC Jean’s miscarriage was one of those trials. In an emotional recent interview, Ballas shared how his longtime friend and fellow dancer Derek Hough helped him through one of the most difficult chapters of his life. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of friendship, vulnerability, and leaning on others during life’s toughest moments.
A Personal Tragedy
Mark Ballas and his wife BC Jean, who together form the musical duo Alexander Jean, often share their journey as a couple. Married since 2016, they’ve shared many happy milestones, from their music careers to Ballas’ stunning performance on DWTS. This time, however, Ballas chose to share an incredibly personal and painful experience—the loss of their unborn child.
“It’s something you never think will happen to you until it does,” Ballas said. “It’s one of those moments that shakes your whole world.”
Ballas described the emotional pain of the miscarriage, calling it one of the “hardest moments of my life.” He admitted that as someone who was used to being in control of everything — whether it was choreographing intricate dances or composing music — he struggled to deal with the feeling of helplessness in the face of such loss.
Turning to Derek Hough
In times of need, Ballas has leaned heavily on Derek Hough, his best friend of more than two decades and fellow DWTS alumnus. The two met as teenagers in London and have shared a deep bond ever since, both professionally and personally.
“Derek was one of the first people I called,” Ballas revealed. “I was so confused. I didn’t even know how to begin to process what had happened. He just listened. That’s what I needed—someone to listen without judgment.”
Ballas recalls how Hough’s empathy and wisdom became a lifeline during those dark days. “Derek told me it was okay to feel all sorts of things—anger, sadness, guilt. He reminded me that grief isn’t linear and that I didn’t have to go through it alone.”
A Friendship That Runs Deep
Mark Ballas and Derek Hough’s friendship is a testament to the power of connection. Growing up together in the competitive dance world, they have supported each other through countless ups and downs. From their early training days in London to becoming household names on Dancing with the Stars, their bond has only grown stronger over time.
“Mark is like a brother to me,” Hough said in a separate interview. “When he hurts, I hurt. Seeing him go through something so painful breaks my heart, but I want to be there for him in any way I can.”
For Ballas, Hough’s unwavering presence is a reminder of the importance of surrounding yourself with people who truly care. “Derek doesn’t just give me advice; he shows up. Whether it’s a phone call, a walk, or just sitting quietly together, he makes sure I never feel alone.”
Coping Through Dance and Music
In addition to relying on close relationships, Ballas also found solace in the creative pursuits that had always been the foundation of his life: dance and music.
“Music became a way for me to process what I was feeling,” Ballas shared. “BC and I wrote songs together that helped us express the pain, the love, and the hope we still had for the future.”
Likewise, dance offers a form of catharsis. Ballas returned to the studio not to choreograph for a competition but to move freely and let his emotions flow. “Dance has always been my therapy,” he explains. “It’s a way to release everything I’ve been holding inside.”
Hough, understanding the healing power of movement, joined Ballas in the studio for impromptu dance sessions. “We had no plan. We just danced,” Ballas says. “It was like a conversation without words—a way to connect and heal together.”
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The Role of Vulnerability
One of the most profound lessons Ballas learned through this experience was the power of vulnerability. “As dancers, we’re used to performing, smiling through pain. But this is something I can’t just dance without doing,” he admitted.
Ballas credits Hough with helping him accept vulnerability. “Derek told me it was okay to not be okay, and that was a game changer for me. I didn’t have to pretend I was okay when I wasn’t.”
Supporting Each Other
The friendship between Ballas and Hough is a two-way street. Over the years, they have supported each other through the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives. Ballas has been there for Hough during the tough times in his life, and now it’s Hough’s turn to return the favor.
“That’s what true friendship is,” Hough said. “Not just celebrating the good times, but also showing up when things get tough. I’m honored to be that person for Mark, as he has been for me so many times.”
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A Message of Hope
While the pain of the miscarriage remains, Ballas and BC Jean are finding ways to move forward. They have expressed gratitude for the love and support they have received from family, friends and fans.
“We are taking it one day at a time,” Ballas said. “There is no timeline for the healing process, but we are committed to being there for each other and finding light in the darkness.”
Ballas also hopes that by sharing his story, he can help others who may be going through similar experiences. “Miscarriage is something that so many people go through, but it’s rarely talked about. I want anyone out there who is feeling this pain to know that they’re not alone.”
The Importance of Friendship
The story of how Derek Hough helped Mark Ballas through his ordeal is a testament to the importance of friendship, especially during life’s toughest moments. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, having someone to listen, support and love unconditionally can make all the difference.
“Derek showed me what a real friend is,” Ballas said. “He doesn’t have all the answers, but he doesn’t need to. He’s just there, and sometimes, that’s all you need.”
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Looking Ahead
As Ballas and his wife continue to heal, they are focusing on the future with hope and resilience. Whether through music, dance, or simply relying on the power of love and friendship, they are finding ways to honor their journey and move forward together.
And through it all, the relationship between Mark Ballas and Derek Hough remains unwavering, a beautiful example of how friendship can light the way even in life’s darkest moments.
“Life is unpredictable, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that love — whether from a partner, family or friends — can get you through anything,” Ballas says.
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