Charli D’Amelio Says DWTS Partner Mark Ballas Gave Her Advice for Broadway Debut: ‘Forever Grateful’ (Exclusive)

Charli D’Amelio is officially a Broadway star, but the 20-year-old performer isn’t losing touch with the people and experiences who helped pave her path to success, especially when it comes to her Dancing with the Stars partner, Mark Ballas.

Shortly before D’Amelio’s on-stage debut in & Juliet on Tuesday, Oct. 29, the social media sensation spoke to PEOPLE about her theatrical career move and reflected on how far she’s come since 2019 when she first started posting and garnering a following of millions on TikTok.

In 2022, the Connecticut native teamed up with Ballas to compete on — and ultimately win — the 31st season of DWTS, and D’Amelio says they formed a genuine bond that outlasted the series finale. She’s even tapped into his mentorship while preparing for her ensemble role as Charmion in & Juliet.

“Mark being my partner on Dancing with the Stars helped me learn so much about myself, and also taught me how to be comfortable in my own dancing ability,” she tells PEOPLE. “He’s really such an amazing person and he’s taught me so much about myself and how I carry myself, and I’m forever grateful for him.”

Since Ballas has Broadway experience as well — having debuted in a 2005 production of Jersey Boys and again in Kinky Boots in 2013 — D’Amelio says he’s given her “all the little tips and tricks and insights” from his own time on the stage.

“That was really special,” she says. “I’m so thankful that I can have people that I can talk to that have been in this world before and know it more than I do, that I can ask the questions and learn from them.”

The Broadway rookie adds that she’s “definitely” going to get the DWTS pro out to N.Y.C. to see her put all of his lessons to work in & Juliet. Having Ballas and his wife, BC Jean, in the audience will be an especially meaningful moment since they’ve both been supporting her Broadway journey since she was initially cast to play Charmion.

“I actually saw them and told them the day that I found out,” the influencer shares. “[Ballas] was just so excited for me … I just can’t wait to get back to dancing with him soon, whenever that is. It’s just such an honor.”