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Behind the Sequins: My Life
Leave it all on the floor...Queen of Latin Ballroom, Shirley Ballas has a spectacular dance career spanning over 40 years – she has Cha-Cha'd her way across the world's dance floors to become a multi-award-winning ballroom champion and one of the most renowned dancers in the world. In 1996, Shirley retired from competitive dancing to become a highly-acclaimed coach and now holds the enviable position of Head Judge on BBC One's prime time show Strictly Come Dancing.In Behind the Sequins, she leads us through her dramatic and determined life, from growing up in a rough estate on the Wirral and leaving home at 14 years old, to conquering the high-octane world of ballroom and coping with betrayal, bullying, two broken marriages and a personal tragedy that left Shirley and her family devastated. Speaking from the heart, Shirley leaves her dancing shoes at the door to tell you the story of a fiery, strong-willed grafter who could make the brat pack blush.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2020
81 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 25, 2020
Wow! Shirley has led an amazing life so far. This book seems to have come straight from the heart. I listened on Audible as Shirley narrates it herself and I'm glad I did.
January 18, 2021
I'm a huge fan of Strictly and have watched it since it began, so was interested to learn more about Head Judge, Shirley Ballas' life. This book is not entirely about Strictly though, it's more of a pure autobiography in the sense that it covers Shirley's life, which Strictly is only a recent part of. She has had a tougher life than I envisaged and she is clearly a very experienced dancer and judge. She's made several major life changing decisions extremely quickly, which she has regretted in some cases and benefited from in others. It's good she's finally found happiness in her personal life after dating and being married to some very dominant personalities who didn't seem to have her best interests at heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
As a huge Strictly fan, I had high hopes for this book and I wasn't disappointed! Shirley writes with honesty and rawness about her life - her childhood and her early family life are stark contrast to that of the tv star we know now...and her writing about that time in her life is very humbling. She's had her fair share of knocks in life, but this book shows her grit and determination to bounce back. Strictly fan or not, this is worth a read 100%, thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 25, 2023
I would have liked to give this 3.5 - 4 on a good day!
I don’t really watch Strictly but was interested to read about Shirley growing up on the Wirral. It was a fascinating account of her upbringing, how much commitment a dance career needs, at the expense of family life, and her interesting love life!
An interesting read and I might start watching the occasional Strictly!
I don’t really watch Strictly but was interested to read about Shirley growing up on the Wirral. It was a fascinating account of her upbringing, how much commitment a dance career needs, at the expense of family life, and her interesting love life!
An interesting read and I might start watching the occasional Strictly!
October 8, 2020
My Gran will absolutely love this book. So much that I didnt know about Shirley and now have massive respect for her. Brilliant.
October 23, 2024
I just find it so fascinating reading about the life of celebrities, before the fame, during and everything in between! Loved this book and love you Shirley Ballas 💃
December 28, 2020
What an amazing life Shirley has led. So many up and downs. Thoroughly enjoyed reading her life story and I bet she's got lots more to come.
January 5, 2024
If, after watching Strictly, you wanted to learn more about Shirley Ballas, this is a great autobiography. It was fascinating to read about her life so far, particularly about her early start into dancing. Shirley has been very honest in her writing.
April 5, 2022
This is 3.5. I listened to this, read by the author. An interesting autobiography showing her drive and passion for dance.
November 19, 2024
Shirley's ghost writer does a good job of selling her story of working class child of a single mother growing up in Wallasey into world champion Latin dancer, via a turbulent love life, to coach, mentor and ultimately TV star of Strictly. Shirley, we are led to believe, has overcome a host of hurdles to succeed in life, not least the poor treatment of a number of men, notably her absent father and second husband, whose name she still carries, Corky Ballas. The trajectory is relentlessly upbeat, even when scores are being settled (Donnie Burns gets a ladylike kicking). I found myself carried along, charmed by Shirley's Cinderella to riches story, even as two fiancés in succession are kicked to the curb with stiletto ruthlessness, despite years of support (including by their families and friends), when a better prospect appears on the horizon. Apparently, they are all friends now. Shirley posits the theory that she is much marked by a lack of steady father figure, to the extent that she lacks any real agency in the relationships she is 'swept' into, including Ballas, none of which fit well with her steely determination to claim dancing success at the highest levels. It's very hard not to suspect there are some telling omissions in the story we are permitted to read. But it is a great insight into the pressured and incestuous world of competitive ballroom dancing, where Shirley succeeded at the highest levels.
April 9, 2021
When Len Goodman stepped down as head judge on Strictly I was gutted. I loved Len and his old school cockney charm. I wondered who would be able to tale his place. Would whoever it was be able to live up to his standards. I was worried. However, within minutes of Shirley Ballas’ first appearance and her first dance critique I knew I liked her. She would give clear constructive criticism. She wasn’t too nice and she wasn’t too harsh. She really managed to find a good balance straight away. It probably helped that she was a fellow northerner – opposite side of the Mersey but still an honorary Scouser.
Shirley Ballas further won my approval when a family friend – an elderly lady in her 80s – was struggling to climb down some steps at Lime Street Station. Shirley Ballas saw her and helped her, linked her arm and made sure that my friend got to the place she needed to get to safely. So besides being a great judge, dancer, choreographer and teacher she also proved herself to be a pretty decent human being too. It is for this and many other reasons that I will forever be a fan.
In her book Behind the Sequins we get to read a real rags to riches story about a young working class girl growing up on a rough council estate and manages to change her life through dance.
Shirley Ballas’ perseverance and determination saw her get to the top of her field, achieving the pinnacle of awards several times both in the UK and internationally and then use that talent as a dancer to teach others. To unselfishly impart that knowledge to the next generation. Her love of dance and what it can do is palpable and it dances off every page.
Ballas, however, did not have an easy life. Sometimes life has been downright cruel – relationships, other competitors in the world of dance but none so moving as when she discusses the loss of her brother. She really lets her heart bleed on to the page.
I defy anyone to read Behind the Sequins and not be moved by Shirley Ballas’ story and also be in awe of her durability in a world where everything is fast moving and trends come and go. Class – which is what Ballas oozes – lasts forever.
Behind the Sequins is a brilliant read and a must for any fan of Strictly.
Behind the Sequins: My Life by Shirley Ballas is available now.
Shirley Ballas further won my approval when a family friend – an elderly lady in her 80s – was struggling to climb down some steps at Lime Street Station. Shirley Ballas saw her and helped her, linked her arm and made sure that my friend got to the place she needed to get to safely. So besides being a great judge, dancer, choreographer and teacher she also proved herself to be a pretty decent human being too. It is for this and many other reasons that I will forever be a fan.
In her book Behind the Sequins we get to read a real rags to riches story about a young working class girl growing up on a rough council estate and manages to change her life through dance.
Shirley Ballas’ perseverance and determination saw her get to the top of her field, achieving the pinnacle of awards several times both in the UK and internationally and then use that talent as a dancer to teach others. To unselfishly impart that knowledge to the next generation. Her love of dance and what it can do is palpable and it dances off every page.
Ballas, however, did not have an easy life. Sometimes life has been downright cruel – relationships, other competitors in the world of dance but none so moving as when she discusses the loss of her brother. She really lets her heart bleed on to the page.
I defy anyone to read Behind the Sequins and not be moved by Shirley Ballas’ story and also be in awe of her durability in a world where everything is fast moving and trends come and go. Class – which is what Ballas oozes – lasts forever.
Behind the Sequins is a brilliant read and a must for any fan of Strictly.
Behind the Sequins: My Life by Shirley Ballas is available now.
December 19, 2021
…I had no idea what I was really doing, but that I was now set on a path I couldn’t do anything about. With every dance step of our routine, I knew I was taking one more step away from everything I knew, and that I was giving up something indescribably precious.
Shirley Ballas is the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, but was little known before her debut. However, she has been a professional dance champion, specialising in Latin, since her early 20’s, having started dance as just a child.
I won’t spend this review commenting on the writing style or skill, as we all know what to expect from a celebrity autobiography and truly, we aren’t here for the syntax or poetry!
What I will say is that Shirley Ballas has lived a tough life, achieving everything she has dreamed of, but not without fight, grit or determination. She has graced every ballroom worth dancing in and she has lifted all the trophies she set her eyes on, but she has also experience hardship, betrayal and heartbreak.
When it comes to ballroom, she really knows it inside and out. I loved that each chapter began with a description of the different dance styles and the stories behind them. It’s incredible to learn she is both a skilled dancer and teacher too and that she can be both male and female roles in dance.
What I found most inspiring is how she has uprooted and restarted her life so many times, beginning at aged just 14 when she moved out to pursue dance. It is clearly her life long motivation and she has been willing to give up homes and relationships to chase it. She has been both the heartbreaker and the heartbroken, but it’s admirable to see how she has stayed connected to those from the beginning of her journey.
The life of professional ballroom can seem like a whole other world to outsiders, but Shirley has lifted the red rope to allow her readers and insight into this both dazzling and incredibly tough life.
I would certainly recommend to anyone who is interested in learning more about one of Britain’s best, yet possibly overlooked, dancers.
Shirley Ballas is the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, but was little known before her debut. However, she has been a professional dance champion, specialising in Latin, since her early 20’s, having started dance as just a child.
I won’t spend this review commenting on the writing style or skill, as we all know what to expect from a celebrity autobiography and truly, we aren’t here for the syntax or poetry!
What I will say is that Shirley Ballas has lived a tough life, achieving everything she has dreamed of, but not without fight, grit or determination. She has graced every ballroom worth dancing in and she has lifted all the trophies she set her eyes on, but she has also experience hardship, betrayal and heartbreak.
When it comes to ballroom, she really knows it inside and out. I loved that each chapter began with a description of the different dance styles and the stories behind them. It’s incredible to learn she is both a skilled dancer and teacher too and that she can be both male and female roles in dance.
What I found most inspiring is how she has uprooted and restarted her life so many times, beginning at aged just 14 when she moved out to pursue dance. It is clearly her life long motivation and she has been willing to give up homes and relationships to chase it. She has been both the heartbreaker and the heartbroken, but it’s admirable to see how she has stayed connected to those from the beginning of her journey.
The life of professional ballroom can seem like a whole other world to outsiders, but Shirley has lifted the red rope to allow her readers and insight into this both dazzling and incredibly tough life.
I would certainly recommend to anyone who is interested in learning more about one of Britain’s best, yet possibly overlooked, dancers.
January 15, 2021
I’ve always been a fan of Strictly Come Dancing and was intrigued to know more about head judge Shirley Ballas.
I found the early chapters learning about Shirley’s heritage and humble beginnings particularly interesting. She grew up on a housing estate with her mother working round the clock to support Shirley and brother David. It was without question, her mother’s work ethic which gave Shirley the sheer determination to become one of the world’s most successful ballroom dancers.
Although Shirley is incredibly proud and confident in her ability as a dancer, teacher and judge, she seems far more insecure about decisions she made in her personal life. I thought at times that Shirley was too critical of herself. She had an extremely successful career and was happy to pass on her knowledge and skills to anyone who shared her love of dancing. Her home was always open to aspiring dancers and although she worked away for weeks at a time, she managed to maintain a close relationship with her mother, brother and son.
This is a fascinating account which is honest and insightful. It is well written and shows how hard a successful dancer has to work in a harsh, male dominated industry. Shirley’s personal life features heavily along with family tragedy, broken marriages and global travel. I especially loved Shirley’s mother, an extremely strong lady who devoted herself to her family.
Shirley’s son Mark went on to become a highly successful dancer himself and appears as a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars in the American version of Strictly.
I found the early chapters learning about Shirley’s heritage and humble beginnings particularly interesting. She grew up on a housing estate with her mother working round the clock to support Shirley and brother David. It was without question, her mother’s work ethic which gave Shirley the sheer determination to become one of the world’s most successful ballroom dancers.
Although Shirley is incredibly proud and confident in her ability as a dancer, teacher and judge, she seems far more insecure about decisions she made in her personal life. I thought at times that Shirley was too critical of herself. She had an extremely successful career and was happy to pass on her knowledge and skills to anyone who shared her love of dancing. Her home was always open to aspiring dancers and although she worked away for weeks at a time, she managed to maintain a close relationship with her mother, brother and son.
This is a fascinating account which is honest and insightful. It is well written and shows how hard a successful dancer has to work in a harsh, male dominated industry. Shirley’s personal life features heavily along with family tragedy, broken marriages and global travel. I especially loved Shirley’s mother, an extremely strong lady who devoted herself to her family.
Shirley’s son Mark went on to become a highly successful dancer himself and appears as a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars in the American version of Strictly.
July 22, 2025
Shirley Ballas (2020) BEHIND THE SEQUINS (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - Penguin Audio
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
BorrowBox writes, "LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FLOOR.... Queen of Latin ballroom Shirley Ballas has a spectacular dance career spanning over 40 years - she has cha-cha'd her way across the world's dance floors to become a multi-award-winning ballroom champion and one of the most renowned dancers in the world. In 1996, Shirley retired from competitive dancing to become a highly acclaimed coach and now holds the enviable position of head judge on BBC One's prime-time show Strictly Come Dancing. In Behind the Sequins, she leads us through her dramatic and determined life, from growing up in a rough estate on the Wirral and leaving home at 14 years old to conquering the high-octane world of ballroom and coping with betrayal, bullying, two broken marriages and a personal tragedy that left Shirley and her family devastated. Speaking from the heart, Shirley leaves her dancing shoes at the door to tell you the story of a fiery, strong-willed grafter who could make the brat pack blush."
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Excellent memoir. One of my favourites to listen to on audiobook so very highly recommend. And good on you Shirley!
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#ShirleyBallas #BehindTheSequins #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox
BorrowBox - Penguin Audio
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
BorrowBox writes, "LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FLOOR.... Queen of Latin ballroom Shirley Ballas has a spectacular dance career spanning over 40 years - she has cha-cha'd her way across the world's dance floors to become a multi-award-winning ballroom champion and one of the most renowned dancers in the world. In 1996, Shirley retired from competitive dancing to become a highly acclaimed coach and now holds the enviable position of head judge on BBC One's prime-time show Strictly Come Dancing. In Behind the Sequins, she leads us through her dramatic and determined life, from growing up in a rough estate on the Wirral and leaving home at 14 years old to conquering the high-octane world of ballroom and coping with betrayal, bullying, two broken marriages and a personal tragedy that left Shirley and her family devastated. Speaking from the heart, Shirley leaves her dancing shoes at the door to tell you the story of a fiery, strong-willed grafter who could make the brat pack blush."
=====
Excellent memoir. One of my favourites to listen to on audiobook so very highly recommend. And good on you Shirley!
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#ShirleyBallas #BehindTheSequins #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox
January 5, 2021
Girl crush!
Always had dancing in my heart. Came to it late, only starting at aged 11 with the usual Tap, modern and ballet. Always wanted to try the more contemporary dance and after being in Shirley’s company for the past four days, I wish there’d have been the right classes in my home town at the time.
The sheer commitment, bravery and single mindedness to succeed were all there in Shirley’s life so it has come a quite a shock to read of her anxiety and nervous disposition. I got the impression, though there were some tough choices at an early age, most of them were kinda made for her. As with any chasing the top spot, there is always a sense of “who you know” as opposed to “what”.
There’s no doubting the talent of this lady and what must have been a certain bloody mindedness to achieve all that she has, staying seemingly grounded and that must be applauded! My admiration has peaked at a time when her stardom is opening even more “celebrity” doors. I only hope she remains the kind hearted, loving woman she’s been allowed to become as life blossoms for her.
I am a little bit in love, I think.
Always had dancing in my heart. Came to it late, only starting at aged 11 with the usual Tap, modern and ballet. Always wanted to try the more contemporary dance and after being in Shirley’s company for the past four days, I wish there’d have been the right classes in my home town at the time.
The sheer commitment, bravery and single mindedness to succeed were all there in Shirley’s life so it has come a quite a shock to read of her anxiety and nervous disposition. I got the impression, though there were some tough choices at an early age, most of them were kinda made for her. As with any chasing the top spot, there is always a sense of “who you know” as opposed to “what”.
There’s no doubting the talent of this lady and what must have been a certain bloody mindedness to achieve all that she has, staying seemingly grounded and that must be applauded! My admiration has peaked at a time when her stardom is opening even more “celebrity” doors. I only hope she remains the kind hearted, loving woman she’s been allowed to become as life blossoms for her.
I am a little bit in love, I think.
January 9, 2022
This is such an inspiring story for all. Shirley was such a force of nature as a child, she has grit and determination in bucket loads, a motivated and compassionate lady who got to the pinnacle of the dance world by sheer passion and dedicated hard work which was instilled by her hard working mother. The loss of her beloved brother, David must have been so very difficult, but she strived to keep the plates spinning for her nearest and dearest no matter what. Helping her niece, Mary to become a nurturing and hard working young women in a difficult field which is what my daughter is currently studying to become a Bio Medical Scientist and a hystopathologist. Her son, Mark is a constant and she most definitely has instilled hard work ethics to him. What a brave and lovely lady. When I watch strictly again, I will most definitely look at Shirley with awe. Hoping she will give herself a break and be kind to herself in 2022 x
November 5, 2025
If you’re a fan of the DWTS or SCD world, you’ll enjoy this read or listen. Shirley Ballas has lived quite the remarkable life after coming from very humble beginnings. Her strength & determination led her to become what I consider the First Lady of ballroom. She’s also responsible for helping a new generation of dancers (her son, Mark, Derick Hough, & Julianne Hough, to name a few) rise to the top of the industry & become household names.
Her life hasn’t always been sequins, spray tans, & starlight. She’s endured her family being abandoned by her father, the suicide of her brother, infidelity from her husband, Corky, and having to start over many times. Admittedly, she was also guilty of some heart breaking & self serving behavior of her own. Regardless, she’s lead anything but a mundane life. It’s a story of having a dream, betting on yourself & rising to the top, in yet another industry dominated by men.
Her life hasn’t always been sequins, spray tans, & starlight. She’s endured her family being abandoned by her father, the suicide of her brother, infidelity from her husband, Corky, and having to start over many times. Admittedly, she was also guilty of some heart breaking & self serving behavior of her own. Regardless, she’s lead anything but a mundane life. It’s a story of having a dream, betting on yourself & rising to the top, in yet another industry dominated by men.
July 20, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it gripping from the very start. I had never heard of Shirley Ballas before she became the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing but instantly liked her as a judge and a person from her first show. The book takes you through her struggles, challenges, the highs and lows from a very young age and over the years. With sheer determination, resilience, drive and a strong work ethic to get to the top she takes you with her in this incredible journey. The love she has for her mother, brother and people close to her is heart warming. Finding love herself in later years, I couldn’t be more happy for her. This autobiography is up there with the best. I highly recommend and thankyou Shirley for sharing your life and memories so openly.
January 24, 2024
I truly love reading biographies and autobiographies and learning about personal stories of people I admire, respect or find interesting.
I selected Shirley’s book because I’m a keen dancer myself and absolutely adore Strictly Come Dancing. Reading about her life experiences was moving, eye opening and very emotional.
I rated it 5 because I applaud Shirley for being so honest and open about her story, life choices and vulnerabilities. I find it very refreshing to learn that celebrities, and ordinary people alike, can just as easily make poor choices, mistakes or be faced with difficult consequences. However, by trusting our instincts and passions we can all transform our lives into anything we desire to be or achieve.
I’m very glad I read this book.
I selected Shirley’s book because I’m a keen dancer myself and absolutely adore Strictly Come Dancing. Reading about her life experiences was moving, eye opening and very emotional.
I rated it 5 because I applaud Shirley for being so honest and open about her story, life choices and vulnerabilities. I find it very refreshing to learn that celebrities, and ordinary people alike, can just as easily make poor choices, mistakes or be faced with difficult consequences. However, by trusting our instincts and passions we can all transform our lives into anything we desire to be or achieve.
I’m very glad I read this book.
May 14, 2022
For fans of Strictly Come Dancing or dance in general, Shirley Ballas' autobiography is worth a read. From a humble start in life she recalls her start in dance, the ambition and achievements, family trauma and relationship failures alongside rising to the top of her dancing career. It's an easy read, just straightforward and straight talking like she seems to come across on Strictly. It was interesting to see the links to Derek and Julianne Hough which I'd not realised (his is another autobiography I enjoyed reading). I don't generally read a lot of autobiographies, but if it's about dance, I'm there.
January 11, 2021
I really enjoyed reading all about the life of Shirley Ballas in this fascinating book. Shirley is a truly driven and determined woman. Her life has been full of amazing achievements taking her all over the world competing in dance competitions and meeting the great and the good of her industry. She has suffered sadness, depression and hardships as well as the highs of reaching the top of the dance world, enjoying wealth and success but always through hard ,hard work and a great passion for dance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2021
How to rate an autobiography? Are you rating the person or the writing? It's a tricky one. Many autobiographies are not by 'writers' so it's not fair to rate as you might other forms of literature.
I read this in super-quick time (for me) so I must have enjoyed it, but there was some repetition which I found a little irritating. I wholly admire Shirley Ballas, even more so after reading her story, she's a woman of true grit and determination and it must have been difficult sharing the details of her life for all to see.
I read this in super-quick time (for me) so I must have enjoyed it, but there was some repetition which I found a little irritating. I wholly admire Shirley Ballas, even more so after reading her story, she's a woman of true grit and determination and it must have been difficult sharing the details of her life for all to see.
April 20, 2023
A very driven and determined woman, who would be an inspiration for anyone wanting to chase a dream.
When she started to talk about being a mother my opinion started to change about Shirley. I felt as through excuses were made for the decisions she had made, and she came across as selfish.
The timeline jumped about a bit so it didn’t always make sense to read.
I didn’t finish the book.
2* as the three quarters I did read were heart felt, and her drive was an inspiration. We all make mistakes as kids, and Shirley knows she made some.
When she started to talk about being a mother my opinion started to change about Shirley. I felt as through excuses were made for the decisions she had made, and she came across as selfish.
The timeline jumped about a bit so it didn’t always make sense to read.
I didn’t finish the book.
2* as the three quarters I did read were heart felt, and her drive was an inspiration. We all make mistakes as kids, and Shirley knows she made some.
Read
April 22, 2023Honest, Triumphant, Real.
As a fan of Strictly, I have watched Shirley Ballas on TV for a few years. However, I knew absolutely nothing about her life.
This audiobook narrated by Shirley herself gives an insight into every aspect of her life. It is clear to see from listening to the book that she has worked incredibly hard to get to where she is in life.
I would definitely recommend listening to the audiobook. I borrowed it on Borrowbox. I am a fan of Strictly Come Dancing and of memoirs so I would also recommend if you are a fan of either.
As a fan of Strictly, I have watched Shirley Ballas on TV for a few years. However, I knew absolutely nothing about her life.
This audiobook narrated by Shirley herself gives an insight into every aspect of her life. It is clear to see from listening to the book that she has worked incredibly hard to get to where she is in life.
I would definitely recommend listening to the audiobook. I borrowed it on Borrowbox. I am a fan of Strictly Come Dancing and of memoirs so I would also recommend if you are a fan of either.
December 20, 2021
I was a junior Ballroom & Latin dancer in the 80’s and i idolised Shirley & Sammy Stopford. They both presented an awards evening at my dance school. So for me personally I already knew of Shirley pre-Strictly, I loved reliving glorious dance memories and names she mentioned in the earlier part of the book were very familiar to me as I studied Donnie Burns & Gaynor Fairweather too.
Just a glorious autobiography about a truly fabulous and amazing woman 🤩
Just a glorious autobiography about a truly fabulous and amazing woman 🤩
December 30, 2024
Wow, Shirley Ballas has lived a life and a half! This is an account of her life from her youngest days, and she sure has packed a lot in to one lifetime. Without giving too much away, you can see so clearly through the book how her early life experiences influenced some of her decisions in the years that followed, and the consequences of that. Even if you don't watch Strictly, this is an action-packed account of an action-packed life.
February 18, 2021
A surprisingly fascinating read! Was bought it as a Christmas present and wasn’t really sure what to expect as didn’t consider myself a Shirley Ballas fan, per say, but her life story is pretty incredible. Shirley is so brutally honest and I feel like I know and understand her so much more now. If you enjoy dance or Strictly then this is a total must read!
November 16, 2021
Summary
Enjoyed reading the journey that Shirley has had during her career. Lovely to see that she has been honest and upfront about the good and bad times.
Makes you realise that fame and fortune are not all that they seem. Love, trust and putting you ow happiness first is important.
Enjoyed reading the journey that Shirley has had during her career. Lovely to see that she has been honest and upfront about the good and bad times.
Makes you realise that fame and fortune are not all that they seem. Love, trust and putting you ow happiness first is important.
March 27, 2022
What a fascinating life in Ballroom Dancing the author has had. The fact that she is also chief judge of Strictly Come Dancing just adds to the glamour. A most fabulous description of the life of a professional dancer - the highs, the lows and hard, tough grind. I don't often read non-fiction but this book I enjoyed.
November 13, 2020
A brilliant read
I loved this book, a lady whose the same age as me & had a similar childhood but oh how different hers turned out. You can hear her voice as you read. I really loved it
I loved this book, a lady whose the same age as me & had a similar childhood but oh how different hers turned out. You can hear her voice as you read. I really loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews