From a young boy with night terrors to one of the most celebrated dancers and choreographers in the world, Derek Hough’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a six-time Dancing with the Stars champion and four-time Emmy award winner, Derek’s path to greatness has been shaped by both his immense talent and the personal struggles that have fueled his artistry.
Derek’s journey into dance began with resistance. Growing up in Utah with four sisters, he was the only boy, and his mother often took him along to their dance classes. Initially, Derek had no interest in dancing, associating it with femininity and rejecting it as something “dumb.” But everything changed when he was around 9 or 10 years old. The music, the rhythm, the feeling of synchronizing his body to the beat — it ignited something within him that he couldn’t ignore. Dance, for Derek, became a source of expression and connection, especially as he grappled with feelings of isolation.
Finding Belonging through Dance
As a young boy, Derek often felt like an outsider. At school, he struggled to fit in and was frequently picked last for sports teams. He recalls a time when his classmates would bully him, making him feel like an outsider. It wasn’t until he stepped into the dance world that he found a sense of belonging. Dance provided him with more than just an outlet for his creativity; it gave him a community, a mentor, and a place where he felt valued. The mentors he encountered, especially Shirley and Corky Ballas, helped shape his understanding of dance as an art form and a way of life. This mentorship not only honed his skills but gave him the courage to step into his potential.
At just 12 years old, Derek’s life took a significant turn when he moved to London to train with the Ballas family. This was a pivotal moment in his career. Despite his fear of leaving behind everything he knew, including his family, Derek’s commitment to dance pushed him to embrace the unknown. His training in London was rigorous and relentless, but it ultimately transformed him into the dancer we know today. The discipline, focus, and resilience required during this time set the foundation for his later success.
The Dark Side of Perfectionism
Despite his achievements, Derek’s early career was marked by an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. As he rose to fame, his perfectionism took a toll on his mental health. Derek felt that his worth was directly tied to his success. His identity was wrapped up in winning and proving himself to others. This constant need to achieve left him feeling empty, even after winning numerous awards.
He shares a profound moment from his life when he won an Emmy award and looked at his trophies, only to realize that the fulfillment he had been chasing through success was nowhere to be found. It was then that Derek began to shift his mindset. He started to understand that his value wasn’t tied to his achievements but rather to his authenticity and self-acceptance.
The Healing Power of Dance and Love
Derek’s life was profoundly changed when his wife, Haley, faced a life-threatening health crisis. While touring and performing, Haley had a seizure that sent her to the hospital. The doctors informed Derek that she might not survive, and even if she did, the brain damage would leave her permanently changed. In that moment, Derek experienced an overwhelming sense of loss. Yet, when Haley regained consciousness and began to recover, Derek felt a deep sense of gratitude.
The experience taught Derek the importance of service — not just performing for accolades but serving others through his craft. As he helped Haley through her recovery, he realized that true joy comes from being present for others and sharing love, not through external validation or achievement. Haley’s unwavering strength during her recovery — never feeling sorry for herself and embracing the moment — had a profound impact on Derek.
Mastery Through Vulnerability
Derek’s story is not just about mastering a craft; it’s about mastering oneself. Overcoming his perfectionism, learning to embrace vulnerability, and understanding the importance of emotional healing were essential parts of his journey. He now sees that embracing the full spectrum of emotions, including anger and sadness, is crucial to living a fulfilled life. As he continues to teach others, he passes on the lessons he’s learned: success is not defined by winning; it’s about the connections we build, the way we serve, and the way we express our true selves.
A Vision for the Future
Derek’s passion for dance extends beyond his personal career. Along with his sister, he co-founded Ovation Dance, a competition and convention that seeks to elevate dancers across various genres. The program’s unique hybrid model combines ballroom, Latin, and other dance styles, creating an environment for dancers to grow and thrive. Derek’s goal is to provide a platform for dancers to not only compete but to learn and connect on a deeper level, much like he did when he was starting out.
Through his work with Ovation Dance, Derek hopes to teach the next generation of dancers the value of resilience, vulnerability, and service. He believes that by embracing these values, dancers can reach their full potential, both on and off the stage.
Conclusion
Derek Hough’s journey is a testament to the power of dance, resilience, and self-discovery. From his humble beginnings to becoming a world-renowned dancer and choreographer, Derek’s life has been a series of transformations. By embracing vulnerability, redefining success, and finding fulfillment in service to others, he continues to inspire not only the dance community but anyone seeking mastery over their craft and self.
