Shirley Ballas

Shirley Annette Ballas (née Rich, formerly Stopford; born 6 September 1960) is an English ballroom dancer, dance teacher, and dance adjudicator. She specializes in the International Latin division and has won several championship titles, earning her the nickname The Queen of Latin. Ballas was appointed head judge on the BBC TV show, Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. Born and raised in Wallasey, Cheshire, England, she began dancing at age 7 and started competing shortly after. At 15, Ballas moved to North Yorkshire to partner with British Ballroom Champion Nigel Tiffany before moving to London to partner with dancer Sammy Stopford. Her partnership with Stopford ended after dance teacher Nina Hunt convinced her to audition for a new partnership.