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Sue & Stephie meet Derek Hough. Photo by 1AV8TRIX on

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Derek Hough

Derek Hough is a professional dancer, choreographer, actor and singer. He was born on May 17, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

Derek became famous after participating in the renowned dance competition show, Dancing with the Stars. It was aired on ABC. He got a chance to show his dancing moves to various famous artists.

Derek is an exceptional artist who likes to venture his mind to creative ideas. He does not just confine himself to the only perimeter of dancing but challenges his limits. With this mindset, he authored his first book, which sold out extensively on global platforms. And secured a place on The New York Times Bestseller list.

Let’s learn more about Derek Hough:

1. He Comes From a Family of Dancers

Julianne and Derek Hough. Photo by Movie Tour on

Hough is the son of Marianne and Bruce Hough. His father was twice Chairman of the Utah Republican party. He has four sisters, Sharer, Marabeth, Katherine and Julliane. Amazingly, his dancing career came from his family. All of his grandparents were dancers.

Interestingly, his parents met while in a ballroom dancing team in college, in Idaho. Moreover, Derek is the second to Several musicians such as Riker, Rydel, Rocky Rayland and Ross Lynch.

2. His Parents Divorced when He was just 12 Years

Hough spent his teenage life outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. He moved to London at the age of 12 after his parents’ divorce. Thus, he went to study dance with Corky and Shirley Balla, who just so happen to be the parents of Mark Ballas, a fellow DWTS pro. Though Hough was only supposed to stay a year, he stayed for 10 years.

He was joined by his sister, Julianne in London several months later. The two were tutored by the Ballases. They schooled at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

3. He was a Member of a Pop Music Trio

Derek Hough & Julianne Hough at the 2nd annual Kaleidoscope Ball. Photo by Mingle Media on

At Italia Conti Academy of Thwart Arts, Hough, his sister and Mark Ballas received training in song, theatre, gymnastics and other various forms of dance. Moreover, they received training in Jazz, ballet and trap.

The three kids came up with their pop music trio 2B1G (“2 Boys, 1 Girl”). Amazingly, they performed at dance competitions in the UK and the U.S. Moreover, they showcased their talents in UK television shows.

During his teenage years, he was in a band known as Ballas Hough Band. The band released an album in 2009, that debuted at Number 98 on U.S Billboard 200. However, the band was disbanded in 2010.

4. Derek was a Tutor in the Same Academy where He Studied and Trained

Hough subsequently taught at the Italian Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. This was the beginning of his journey as a dance coach himself. He is a multi-talented personality and is proficient in playing musical instruments such as piano, guitar, drums, and bass.

5. He Rose to Fame as Professional Dancer on ABC’s Show

Derek Hough at 2009 Emmy Awards Red Carpet. Photo by Greg Hernandez on

Derek Hough rose to fame as a professional dancer on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” before becoming an Emmy-winning choreographer. He made his first appearance in this popular show in season four, as a guest instructor. He then joined the cast of professional instructors in season five. However, he was eliminated in the semi-finals.

For season six, Hough was paired with actress Shannon Elizabeth. They were eliminated from the show on April 29, 2008, finishing the competition in sixth place.

However, Hough and Bruke earned the mirror trop and won season seven. For season eleven, Hough won for the third time with actress Jennifer Grey.

6. His Film Career includes both Background Work and a Leading Role

Besides his dancing and singing career, Hough is a good actor. He has acted in several movies both in background work and leading roles. Derek played the role of a Hogwarts student in Harry Potter. He also appeared as an extra in the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001).

Interestingly, in the Make Your Move film (2014(, Hough and South Korean pop star BoA starred as two dancers from different worlds. The two dancers were drawn to one another. He also played a dramatic role when he guest-starred on the TV show Nashville.

On April 18th 2016, Hough guest starred on The CW series, Jane the Virgin.

On April 27, 2016, it was announced that Hough would play Corny Collins in the NBC live broadcast of Hairspray, which aired on December 7.

7. He was a Judge alongside other Famous Celebrities in the World of Dance Show

It Starring Derek Hough and Larua Benanti. Photo by slgckgc on

Hough joined NBC’s new dance competition series World of Dance as a judge. He worked as a judge alongside international musicians such as Jennifer Lopez and Ne-Yo and host Jenna Dewan.

The show featured dancers from around the world. It was the top premiere of a new summer series on broadcast in five years. Moreover, the most-watched show in nine years. It was picked up for a second and continued to the third season and then a fourth. It was cancelled in 2021.

This was the first time Hough had judged. During this show, he proved to be a good judge. He went on to judge DWTS.

8. He has Bagged Several Emmy Awards

For his outstanding choreography, Hough is a three-time Emmy winner. Moreover, he earned eight Emmy Award nominations for his work on Dancing with the Stars.

Hough and his sister, Julianne Hough, were honoured at Mattel Chiddingstone Hospital UCLA’s second annual Kaleidoscope Ball with the Kaleidoscope Award. This award is given to people in the entertainment industry, who make the lives of Children memorable through their professional achievement and personal humanitarianism.

9. His First Book Sold Extensively on Global Platforms

Derek Hough. Photo by Greg Hernandez on

Hough’s first book Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion came out on August 5, 2014. The book managed to enter The New York Times Best Seller list on August 24, 2014. Amazingly, it sold out extensively on global platforms.

The book narrates his life from childhood to 2014. However, the book was about valuable life lessons. In the book, he talked about how he was bullied as a kid and how those experiences had a positive impact on his life.

10. He went on Four Sold Out Tours

Dere and his sister, Julliane Hough, went on a United States tour known as Move. They travelled across the country in 2017. The Move tours saw these two singing, dancing, speaking to the crowd and inspiring others.

However, Hough embarked on his solo tour, Derek Hough LIVE in 2019. On his solo tour, he danced, inspired others and played numerous instruments.