# Derek Hough
**Derek Hough** (born 1985) is an American dancer, choreographer, actor, and television personality best known for *Dancing with the Stars*, on which he won the Mirrorball Trophy six times as a professional dancer and has served as a judge since 2020. He has won four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography and holds the record for choreography nominations in Television Academy history, with 13.[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) • [2](https://www.italiaconti.com/alumni/derek-hough/)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 1985, Salt Lake City, Utah[3](https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/derek-hough) |
| *Dancing with the Stars* | Professional dancer 2007–2016, six-time Mirrorball champion, the only six-time champion in franchise history; judge since 2020[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) • [4](https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyle/article/derek-hough-encore-san-antonio-22372108.php) |
| Emmy Awards | Four wins for Outstanding Choreography (2013, 2015, 2021, 2023), all for *Dancing with the Stars*; 13 nominations, the record in Television Academy history[2](https://www.italiaconti.com/alumni/derek-hough/) • [1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) |
| Training | Moved to London at 12 to train with top dance coaches and attend the Italia Conti performing arts school; Latin world champion by 18[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) • [3](https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/derek-hough) |
| Stage | Male lead in *Footloose* in London's West End (Novello Theatre, 2006); *Burn the Floor* on Broadway; Radio City Music Hall's *Spring Spectacular*; NBC's *Hairspray Live!* (2016)[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) • [5](https://playbill.com/article/derek-hough-will-make-1-night-only-debut-in-broadways-chicago) |
| Writing | Memoir *Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion* (August 2014), a New York Times bestseller[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) |
| Family | Married to dancer Hayley Erbert Hough; daughter Everley Capri Hough born 2025[6](https://www.eonline.com/news/1427168/golden-globes-2026-derek-hough-red-carpet-fashion) |
## Early life and training
Hough started dancing in his hometown of [Salt Lake City](https://www.edgepedia.org/salt-lake-city), Utah, at age 11. A year later he moved to London to live and train with leading dance coaches and to attend the Italia Conti performing arts school, where he studied theater, music, and dance.[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) He and his younger sister [Julianne Hough](https://www.edgepedia.org/julianne-hough), also a dancer, lived in London with the family of fellow dancer [Mark Ballas](https://www.edgepedia.org/mark-ballas) while attending the demanding Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.[3](https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/derek-hough) By 18 he had become a Latin world champion.[3](https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/derek-hough)
## Dancing with the Stars
Hough joined *Dancing with the Stars* as a professional dancer in 2007, making his regular-season debut that year with actress [Jennie Garth](https://www.edgepedia.org/jennie-garth) as his celebrity partner.[4](https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyle/article/derek-hough-encore-san-antonio-22372108.php) He spent a decade on the show, competing on 17 seasons and winning six times, a record for a professional dancer on the program and a distinction no other competitor in franchise history has matched.[7](https://abcnews.com/culture/story/derek-hough-potential-dancing-stars-all-winners-season/?id=102286765) • [1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) His Mirrorball wins came with celebrity partners including [Brooke Burke](https://www.edgepedia.org/brooke-burke), Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley, and [Bindi Irwin](https://www.edgepedia.org/bindi-irwin).[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) • [16](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/every-dwts-pro-who-has-won-the-mirrorball-more-than-once/) In 2010 he won back-to-back seasons, with Nicole Scherzinger in season 10 and Jennifer Grey in season 11.[3](https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/derek-hough)
In 2020 Hough returned to the show as a judge on the panel alongside [Carrie Ann Inaba](https://www.edgepedia.org/carrie-ann-inaba) and [Bruno Tonioli](https://www.edgepedia.org/bruno-tonioli).[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) Heading into season 34 he had served six consecutive years as a head judge, and he returned for season 35, which premiered on ABC over two nights, September 15 and 16, 2026.[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) • [8](https://apnews.com/article/f1d587db5657824343c2b258b0695695) He has also judged the spinoff *Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro*, in which aspiring professional dancers compete for a spot on the flagship show; he has described the difference in his approach, saying that with celebrities the goal is encouragement while with essentially professional dancers "you got to be kind of tough on them."[9](https://goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/derek-hough-opens-new-season-dwts-134942400)
## Choreography and Emmy Awards
Hough's television choreography for *Dancing with the Stars* earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography, in 2013, 2015, 2021, and 2023.[2](https://www.italiaconti.com/alumni/derek-hough/) His winning routines included "Hey Pachuco / Para Los Rumberos / Walking On Air" (2013), "Elastic Heart" (2015), "Paso Doble – Uccen" and "Tap Dance – Let's Fall In Love For The Night" (2021), and "Higher" (2023).[10](https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/derek-hough) With 13 nominations for Outstanding Choreography, he holds the record for most choreography nominations in Television Academy history.[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/)
## Stage, film, and television work
**Stage.** Hough starred as the male lead in the critically acclaimed West End production of *Footloose* at the Novello Theatre in 2006, performing about 600 shows and sometimes two a day.[2](https://www.italiaconti.com/alumni/derek-hough/) • [11](https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Interview-Derek-Hough-is-Living-the-Dream-with-SYMPHONY-OF-DANCE-ENCORE-Tour-20260806) His Broadway debut came in *Burn the Floor*, and he also appeared in [Radio City Music Hall](https://www.edgepedia.org/radio-city-music-hall)'s *Spring Spectacular* opposite Tony Award winner [Laura Benanti](https://www.edgepedia.org/laura-benanti).[5](https://playbill.com/article/derek-hough-will-make-1-night-only-debut-in-broadways-chicago) • [1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) In December 2016 he starred with [Jennifer Hudson](https://www.edgepedia.org/jennifer-hudson), Ariana Grande, Martin Short, and Harvey Fierstein in NBC's *Hairspray Live!*[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) In July 2026 he made a one-night debut in Broadway's *Chicago* at the Ambassador Theatre, delivering the show's opening monologue at the 7 PM performance and hosting a post-performance talkback with Mark Ballas, who returned to the role of Billy Flynn that night.[5](https://playbill.com/article/derek-hough-will-make-1-night-only-debut-in-broadways-chicago)
**Screen.** Hough made his feature film debut in *Make Your Move*, directed by Duane Adler and produced by Robert Cort, and had a recurring role on the ABC series *Nashville* and in *High School Musical: The Musical: The Series* for Disney+.[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) • [5](https://playbill.com/article/derek-hough-will-make-1-night-only-debut-in-broadways-chicago)
**Other television.** In May 2017 he joined [Jennifer Lopez](https://www.edgepedia.org/jennifer-lopez) and Ne-Yo at the judges' table for NBC's *World of Dance*, a competition with a million-dollar prize that he was part of for four seasons.[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) He is the current host of the long-running entertainment news program *Extra*.[12](https://www.derekhough.com/)
## Tours and live shows
Hough's live career began with joint tours alongside his sister Julianne: *MOVE Live on Tour* played 50 cities around the country, followed by a 47-city outing in 2015 and a sold-out 48-city run of *Move – Beyond – Live on Tour* in 2017.[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) His first solo tour, *Derek Hough Live: The Tour*, ran in 2019, and his second, *Derek Hough Symphony of Dance*, stopped in 60 cities across the United States and Canada.[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) In 2021 and 2022 he headlined the residency *Derek Hough: No Limit* at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, a dance-centric show spanning ballroom, tap, salsa, and hip-hop.[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/) In November 2024 he launched his first holiday tour, *Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays*, which visited 40 cities.[1](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/)
In 2026 he toured North America with *Symphony of Dance: Encore*, a revamped version of the earlier show featuring a live band, a cast of dancers, and music spanning Latin, big band, and rock and roll, with his wife Hayley performing alongside him; the run included back-to-back hometown performances at the Eccles Theatre in Salt Lake City.[11](https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Interview-Derek-Hough-is-Living-the-Dream-with-SYMPHONY-OF-DANCE-ENCORE-Tour-20260806) • [13](https://www.wowt.com/2026/07/03/derek-hough-bring-symphony-dance-encore-omahas-orpheum-theater/) • [14](https://www.ksl.com/article/51513718/derek-hough-brings-latest-show-home-to-utah) A second *Dance for the Holidays* tour followed in November and December 2026, running from November 3 in [Thousand Oaks, California](https://www.edgepedia.org/thousand-oaks-california), through dates on both coasts.[9](https://goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/derek-hough-opens-new-season-dwts-134942400) • [12](https://www.derekhough.com/)
## Personal life
Hough is married to professional dancer Hayley Erbert Hough, who has performed in his shows.[11](https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Interview-Derek-Hough-is-Living-the-Dream-with-SYMPHONY-OF-DANCE-ENCORE-Tour-20260806) The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Everley Capri Hough, in December 2025; Hough made his first public appearance as a father at the January 11, 2026 Golden Globes.[6](https://www.eonline.com/news/1427168/golden-globes-2026-derek-hough-red-carpet-fashion) • [15](https://parade.com/celebrities/derek-hough-makes-his-daddy-debut-fans-cant-get-enough-golden-globes) During the 2026 summer tour the family traveled together with their infant daughter, and Hough announced a follow-up holiday tour while describing the experience of touring with his newborn as "the best thing."[9](https://goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/derek-hough-opens-new-season-dwts-134942400)
## References
1. [Derek Hough, ABC Press bio](https://www.dgepress.com/abc/bios/derek-hough/)
2. [Derek Hough, Italia Conti Performing Arts Alumni](https://www.italiaconti.com/alumni/derek-hough/)
3. [Derek Hough – Age, Family & Facts, Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/derek-hough)
4. ['DWTS' star Derek Hough brings 'Encore' to San Antonio, San Antonio Express-News](https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyle/article/derek-hough-encore-san-antonio-22372108.php)
5. [Derek Hough Will Make 1-Night-Only Debut in Broadway's Chicago, Playbill](https://playbill.com/article/derek-hough-will-make-1-night-only-debut-in-broadways-chicago)
6. [Golden Globes 2026: Derek Hough Red Carpet Fashion, E! Online](https://www.eonline.com/news/1427168/golden-globes-2026-derek-hough-red-carpet-fashion)
7. [Derek Hough weighs in on potential of a 'Dancing with the Stars' all-winners season, ABC News](https://abcnews.com/culture/story/derek-hough-potential-dancing-stars-all-winners-season/?id=102286765)
8. [Meet the 2026 'Dancing With the Stars' cast, AP News](https://apnews.com/article/f1d587db5657824343c2b258b0695695)
9. [Derek Hough opens up on new season of 'DWTS', Good Morning America](https://goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/derek-hough-opens-new-season-dwts-134942400)
10. [Derek Hough, Emmy Awards and Nominations, Television Academy](https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/derek-hough)
11. [Interview: Derek Hough is 'Living the Dream' with SYMPHONY OF DANCE: ENCORE Tour, BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Interview-Derek-Hough-is-Living-the-Dream-with-SYMPHONY-OF-DANCE-ENCORE-Tour-20260806)
12. [Derek Hough – Symphony Of Dance: Encore / Dance For The Holidays, derekhough.com](https://www.derekhough.com/)
13. [Derek Hough to bring "Symphony of Dance: ENCORE" to Omaha's Orpheum Theater, WOWT](https://www.wowt.com/2026/07/03/derek-hough-bring-symphony-dance-encore-omahas-orpheum-theater/)
14. [Derek Hough brings latest show home to Utah, KSL.com](https://www.ksl.com/article/51513718/derek-hough-brings-latest-show-home-to-utah)
15. [Derek Hough Makes His 'Daddy Debut', Parade](https://parade.com/celebrities/derek-hough-makes-his-daddy-debut-fans-cant-get-enough-golden-globes)
16. [Every ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Pro Who Has Won the Mirrorball More Than Once: Witney Carson and More](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/every-dwts-pro-who-has-won-the-mirrorball-more-than-once/)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Series and fictional screen worlds › Unscripted, reality, and web-native series › Reality and competition franchise editions › Dancing with the Stars and dance-competition franchises*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 19, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 12, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license