Derek Hough recently opened up about his experiences on “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS) and how the show has transformed public perception of dancers. During a discussion at an Emmy consideration event, Hough shared that he started dancing at the young age of 11 and faced bullying for his passion back then.
Now at 39, Hough feels a huge shift in how society views dancers. He expressed that, thanks to platforms like DWTS, dance has gained respect, and dancers are now seen as “artistic athletes.” He recalled a time when he was often picked on for being a dancer, but today, he receives praise from sports fans for performances like the Argentine Tango he showcased on the season finale with fellow dancer Mark Ballas.
Reflecting on his journey, Hough said, “It means a lot more because to see that little boy that grew up when dancing wasn’t cool, and to see where it’s now—it’s looked at as artistic athletes.” He conveyed deep gratitude for the show, which has elevated dance over almost 20 years.
Derek and his sister, Julianne Hough, joined DWTS as professional dancers in 2007. While Julianne left after a couple of years to pursue other opportunities, Derek continued with the show until 2016, taking a break to appear in “Hairspray Live!” He returned as a judge in 2020, expressing his love for the program. “This show is the gift that keeps on giving,” he stated, highlighting its enduring popularity and the remarkable group of dancers that bring it to life.
The latest season of DWTS set records for voting and viewership, concluding with Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei winning the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Hough credited much of the success to the contestants’ innovative engagement with fans on social media, stating that audiences can immerse themselves in the show even outside the official episodes.
Julianne added that fan support plays a crucial role in the ongoing success of the series, noting that viewers connect not just with the dancers but with everyone associated with the show, creating a unique bond that encourages them to return season after season.
