Shirley Ballas urges, “Quit your chatter and move along,” reflecting the value she places on time as she juggles numerous engagements leading up to the Strictly Come Dancing series premiere on September 20th. However, her blunt phrasing is not intended to be impolite; instead, it showcases the straightforward Northern sayings that punctuate the chapters in her latest book, Best Foot Forward: Life Lessons from the World of Dance.
She goes on to say, “There are more quotes like these. ‘Leave your troubles at the door, take them with you when you leave,’ ‘Life shouldn’t be filled with regrets, but lessons learned,’ and ‘Everything is sent to challenge us.’ These are words of wisdom from my 88-year-old mother Audrey, who laid the groundwork for my resilience.
As a devoted reader and avid movie enthusiast, let me share that the most recent book from this celebrated author, who’s known for her captivating cozy crime novels, is essentially an extension of her 2020 autobiography titled “Behind the Sequins: My Life.” In her words, she felt a lack of self-assurance at the time to pen down certain experiences, which she has now delved into with renewed confidence. This latest work encompasses recent events in her life, interwoven with a few compelling tales from her past. The book serves as a compendium of life lessons on building confidence, resilience, and self-belief, drawing inspiration from the vibrant world of dance.
It’s accurate to assert that she has demonstrated a strong need for resilience, courage, and grace since publishing her first autobiography five years ago. Since then, she has faced various challenges such as ending an engagement, dealing with her mother’s cancer scare, enduring online harassment, experiencing stalking, and managing the menopause – a period that led her to emotionally difficult places like contemplating suicide. She also sought help from the BBC during the harsh online trolling and underwent legal intervention to address the stalking situation.
After considering everything that’s been discussed, and with no plans to cohabit with a partner in the future, she has signed up for the private dating app Raya (“I’ve chosen an age range that’s not too specific, but I’m not interested in anyone too young. I’d say around 55 to 70 if they’re in good shape. Or even up to 98 if they’ve got plenty of money!” she quips). She’s taken a bold step by confronting her fears and, as detailed in her book, has initiated bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to combat the symptoms of menopause and regain her previous sense of self. Strength, adaptability, and self-assurance? Tick!
Apart from finding personal fulfillment in her Strictly Come Dancing journey, Ballas, celebrating her 65th birthday on September 6, recognizes the opportunity as a platform that comes with a sense of duty. She notes that many people on Instagram often seek her advice about various topics like menopause. Consequently, she decided to share some of her life experiences in hopes of reassuring others that they are not alone in their struggles.
Perhaps due to social media, conversations about feelings have become more common today. This wasn’t the case when I was younger; emotions were often kept private, even more so in my mother’s time. She finds it hard to grasp why I discuss certain topics in my book. Ballas then, taking a cue from her own advice in the ‘Adaptability’ chapter or ‘steps’, as she terms them, decides to ‘Master the Transitions’ and share about the passing of her brother David, who tragically took his own life in 2003.
In a new twist, one might say that she is deeply committed to mental health advocacy, backing organizations like CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Suicide&Co. During her “Survival” phase, she embraces the concept of “Accept the Rise and Fall,” drawing parallels with dance moves such as the waltz and foxtrot. Could it be that she once pondered dance as a form of therapy in its own right? With dance being a part of her life since she was only two, it wasn’t necessarily therapeutic for her personally, but when faced with loss, she found solace in continuing to dance.
Absolutely, Shirley Ballas can’t seem to slow down. She’s like a dancer who craves constant movement, and that itch will undoubtedly be scratched by the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. She hinted at some minor modifications and additional elements (which she’s currently sworn to secrecy about), but one thing she did reveal is her eagerness to collaborate with the fantastic cast this season.
In the words of her mother, Audrey, “You can’t return to the start for a fresh beginning, but you have the power to pen a new finale.
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2025-09-01 23:35