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| Derek Hough | |
|---|---|
| Name | Derek Hough |
| Birth date | 17 May 1985 |
| Birth place | * Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Occupation | Dancer, choreographer, actor, musician |
| Years active | 1995–present |
Derek Hough is an American dancer, choreographer, actor, and musician known for competitive ballroom performance, television choreography, and stage work. He rose to prominence through long-term association with a televised dance competition and has collaborated with artists and institutions across entertainment, theater, and music. Hough's career spans choreography for television specials, appearances on reality programming, theatrical roles in touring productions, and songwriting.
Hough was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised in a family active in performing arts, including ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community and local cultural institutions. He trained in ballroom and Latin dance in studios connected to competitive circuits like the International Dance Organization and the National Dance Council of America pathways, while also studying music and theater through programs associated with performing arts schools in Las Vegas, Nevada and Provo, Utah. His siblings pursued careers in music and dance, linking him to networks including Mark Ballas, Julianne Hough, and touring companies associated with Ballroom Dancing circuits.
Hough's competitive background includes participation in national and international ballroom events governed by organizations such as the World DanceSport Federation, United States Dance Championships, and regional competitions linked with the Open Strictly Come Dancing model. He trained with coaches who had affiliations with institutions like the Carlton Ballroom lineage and studios that produced champions who later worked with companies including Burn the Floor and touring productions from Royal Albert Hall circuits. His technical repertoire covers styles prominent in competitive ballroom: Argentine tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, and paso doble, often presented in formats used by professional touring ensembles and televised dance specials.
Hough achieved mainstream recognition as a professional dancer on the ABC series that pairs celebrities with professionals, appearing alongside judges and hosts from entertainment programs linked to BBC One, ITV, Emmy Awards telecasts, and variety specials featuring celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, and Bruno Mars. He has appeared on talk shows and morning programs hosted by personalities from Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and late-night franchises associated with CBS and NBC. Hough has also participated in reality and competition formats produced by companies connected to Fremantle and BBC Studios, and has been a guest choreographer for televised award shows and charity galas affiliated with institutions like Kennedy Center fundraisers.
In addition to choreography for television and stage, Hough composes and records music influenced by collaborations with songwriters and producers who have worked with artists signed to labels connected with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment. His choreographic work extends to music videos and concert staging for performers from pop and R&B fields, integrating techniques seen in productions by Cirque du Soleil creatives and staging designers who have worked on tours for Madonna, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson tribute productions. He has developed original routines showcased at industry events hosted by organizations such as Dance Masters of America and educational workshops in partnership with performing arts conservatories.
Hough's stage credits include roles in touring musicals and productions that have run in venues like Broadway-adjacent theaters, West End-associated houses, and regional playhouses affiliated with the American Theatre Wing. He has performed in dance-centric tours that align with companies such as Burn the Floor and productions produced by teams with links to Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cameron Mackintosh, and choreographers from Matthew Bourne's circle. His film and television acting includes guest roles in dramas and comedies connected to studios like Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, and independent productions showcased at festivals such as Sundance Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival.
Hough maintains residences that have allowed proximity to dance and entertainment centers in Los Angeles, New York City, and seasonal work in London. He has philanthropic involvement with charities and foundations that support arts education and health initiatives associated with organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation, arts outreach programs partnering with National Endowment for the Arts, and benefit events tied to institutions such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and performing arts conservatories. His public relationships and social media presence have intersected with figures from music, television, and theater communities.
Hough's awards and nominations include wins and honors from entertainment institutions linked to televised dance programming, choreography guilds, and audience-voted accolades presented at ceremonies alongside entities such as the Emmy Awards, People's Choice Awards, and critics' circles covering dance and theater. He has been recognized by dance organizations and festival juries connected to the World DanceSport Federation, regional performing arts awards in California and New York, and industry lists from outlets associated with Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
Category:American dancers Category:American choreographers Category:1985 births Category:Living people