Best Foot Forward

Shirley Ballas is one of the most renowned dancers in the world. A former British Open to the World Champion, and European, German, UK, USA and International Latin American Champion, her list of accolades is vast and extraordinary. Born and raised in Wallasey, by the age of 21 Shirley had won nearly every major title she competed in. She is still the youngest ever female to reach the British Open to the World Dance Championship finals. In 1996, Shirley retired from competitive dancing, becoming the highly acclaimed coach she is today, as well as being the head judge on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing. She’s also mother to musician and Broadway star Mark Ballas, and was guardian to Dancing with the Stars professionals Julianne and Derek Hough during their childhood in London.