Shirley Ballas Embraces Glamour as a Modern Grandma

Shirley Ballas Embraces New Chapter as a “Glam-ma”

Ahead of the Arrival of Her First Grandchild

Renowned ballroom dancer and “Strictly Come Dancing” judge, Shirley Ballas, is eagerly preparing for a new chapter in her life as she awaits the arrival of her first grandchild. In an interview on BBC Breakfast, Ballas shared her excitement and revealed that she prefers to be called a “glam-ma” rather than a traditional “grandma.”

Ballas, 62, expressed her joy at the news that her son Mark, a professional dancer on the American version of “Strictly,” Dancing With The Stars, and his wife BC Jean, are expecting a baby. She revealed that her daughter-in-law is currently six-and-a-half months pregnant and the baby is due around October 29th.

Embracing a Modern Approach to Grandparenthood

By choosing to be called a “glam-ma,” Shirley Ballas exemplifies the changing dynamics of grandparenting in modern society. The term “grandma” is often associated with a traditional image of old age, while “glam-ma” conveys a more fashionable and contemporary identity. This choice not only reflects Ballas’ personal style and energy but also signals a shift in societal expectations for grandparents.

Increasingly, grandparents are defying stereotypes and embracing a more active, adventurous, and involved role in the lives of their grandchildren. By rebranding herself as a “glam-ma,” Ballas reflects this evolving trend and challenges the notion that grandparenthood is solely about being nurturing and supportive. Instead, she sets an example of how grandparents can maintain their individuality while also enjoying the unique bond with their grandchildren.

Sharing the Joy Across Continents

Ballas revealed that she and her mother will be traveling to Los Angeles, where Mark and BC Jean reside, to spend a few weeks with the expectant couple. Despite the geographical distance, she plans to be actively involved in her grandchild’s life, and even mentioned her intention to travel back and forth between the US and the UK when the new season of “Strictly” begins filming in September.

This cross-continental connection reaffirms the importance of building strong relationships and staying connected with family members, regardless of geographical barriers. Ballas’ commitment to maintaining her bond with her son and his growing family serves as a reminder to prioritize meaningful connections and create lasting memories with loved ones, even when faced with practical challenges.

Challenges for a Charitable Cause

Beyond her excitement surrounding impending grandparenthood, Ballas also discussed her involvement in charitable endeavors. She shared her plans to undertake a trio of challenges in an effort to raise funds for a suicide prevention charity. This cause holds personal significance for Ballas, who tragically lost her brother to suicide.

By conquering her fear of heights through a Skyathlon challenge involving a zipline, a 700-ft wing walk, and a 15,000-ft skydive, Ballas aims to raise awareness about mental health and support the work of the charity Campaigning Against Living Miserably (Calm). Her personal experiences of loss have motivated her to bring attention to the urgent need for increased compassion, awareness, and resources in addressing suicide prevention.

Ballas’ willingness to share her own experiences and her dedication to making a positive impact serves as a reminder of the importance of discussing mental health openly and supporting those facing emotional challenges. Through her actions, she encourages others to reach out, seek help, and foster understanding in order to prevent further tragedies.

Conclusion

Shirley Ballas’ journey into grandparenthood and her commitment to raising awareness about suicide prevention demonstrate her multifaceted nature, transcending her role as a dance judge on “Strictly Come Dancing.” Her decision to embrace the term “glam-ma” reflects the evolving expectations and active involvement of today’s grandparents. By standing up for causes she believes in and using her platform to make a difference, Ballas serves as an inspiration to others and exemplifies the power of compassion and personal growth.