‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 22 Updates: Mark Ballas’ Back Injury Might Keep Him Out of Week 2 Performances

By Carlo Monzon
Mark Ballas
Mark Ballas performing live at The Citadel Outlets' 12th Annual Tree Lighting Concert in Commerce CA on November 9th, 2013. Wikimedia Commons/Justin Higuchi

Mark Ballas sat out Monday's performance for "Dancing with the Stars" after suffering a back injury during last Sunday's rehearsals. According to sources close to the show, it is not yet clear if the choreographer, dancer, musician and actor will be able to return this week or for the rest of the season.

As reported by People, Ballas and his dance partner Paige VanZant, a strawweight fighter for the UFC, were practicing their routine and camera-blocking movements on Sunday when the former stopped the rehearsals due to pain in his back.

In a video obtained by the news site, Ballas can be seen walking away from his partner before lying on the floor and wriggling from the pain.

"I just slipped a disc," Ballas can be heard saying in the clip. "My back pinched funny. I'm hurting. Oh yeah, I'm in trouble."

According to VanZant, Ballas was planning on incorporating a few fancy tricks into their routine during the rehearsals. However, since they didn't have time to warm up that day, she suggested skipping the tricks.

"We weren't warmed up, so I wasn't going to do the tricks," VanZant said. "But he said we had to because we didn't have a lot of time. We'd done the first trick 100 times. But the first time we did Sunday, he hurts his back."

As reported by International Business Times, Ballas aggravated an old injury during the rehearsals. He's scheduled to undergo an MRI and CT scan later this week, but it is not yet clear when he will be back.

"Mark is recovering, but we are not sure what is happening moving forward," VanZant said. "We don't know how hurt he is, but we're hoping for the best."

Due to Ballas' injury, VanZant went on with Monday's performance without her dance partner. Instead, Alan Bersten, a former contestant and now a member of the show's dance troupe stepped in as the UFC fighter's partner.

"I feel horrible that Mark is hurting, but stepping in for him has been a dream come true," Bersten said. "But at the end of the day, it's all about Paige. I'm just happy I was there to support her tonight."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories