Derek Hough
Derek Hough is a dancer, choreographer and Extra host who brings ballroom to television and the stage, from Dancing with the Stars to his own touring shows.
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Latest
Derek’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Disney+
Live
TelepicturesOverview
- From
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Birthday
- May 17, 1985
- Work
- Dancer, choreographer, television host and author
- Breakout
- Joined Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer in 2007
- Mirrorballs
- Six Dancing with the Stars championships
- Emmys
- Four wins for choreography
Mini bio
How it started.
Derek grew up in Salt Lake City and began dancing at 11. A year later he moved to London to train and attend Italia Conti, studying theater, music and dance.
The ballroom breakthrough.
He joined Dancing with the Stars as a professional in 2007 and won six seasons with celebrity partners. In 2020 he moved to the judging panel. His choreography on the series has earned four Emmys, including the 2023 award for “Higher.”
Beyond the competition.
His work stretches from London’s Footloose to NBC’s Hairspray Live! and his memoir Taking the Lead. He also judged World of Dance with Jennifer Lopez and Ne-Yo, and directed and choreographed Michael Bublé’s “Higher” music video.
Onstage and on camera.
Touring is a recurring part of his work, from shows with sister Julianne to his solo productions and Las Vegas residency. He began hosting Extra in September 2025 and brought Symphony of Dance: Encore to the road in 2026.
Creditschronological, newest first
Television
- 2026Dancing with the Stars: The Next ProFinale guest judge
- 2025ExtraHost
- 2025The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday SpectacularHost and performer
- 2020Dancing with the StarsJoined the judging panel
- 2017–2020World of DanceJudge alongside Jennifer Lopez and Ne-Yo
- 2016Hairspray Live!Corny Collins
- 2007–2016Dancing with the StarsProfessional dancer; six-time champion
Live performance
- 2026Symphony of Dance: EncoreHeadliner
- 2026ChicagoOne-night opening monologue and talkback
- 2024Dance for the HolidaysHeadliner; first holiday tour
- 2021–2022Derek Hough: No LimitLas Vegas residency headliner
Music videos
- 2022Michael Bublé: HigherDirector and choreographer
Books
Awards
- 2023 Primetime EmmyOutstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming for Dancing with the Stars, routine “Higher.”
- 2021 Primetime EmmyOutstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming for Dancing with the Stars.
- 2015 Primetime EmmyOutstanding Choreography for Dancing with the Stars, routine “Elastic Heart.”
- 2013 Primetime EmmyOutstanding Choreography for Dancing with the Stars, routines “Hey Pachuco,” “Para Los Rumberos” and “Walking on Air.”
Quotes
This is like a rock concert for dance.Derek Hough, Deco Drive / WSVN
Describing Symphony of Dance: Encore in a June 12, 2026 interview.
Trivia
- His first dance teacher, Rick Robinson, surprised him on his first day hosting Extra.
- His London training included theater and music as well as dance.
- He toured with sister Julianne in MOVE Live on Tour and Move – Beyond – Live on Tour.
Find Derek
Follow Derek for dance clips, tour updates and moments behind the scenes.
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