Emmy Award winning and New York Times Best-Selling author Derek Hough, the only six time champion in franchise history of the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars, started dancing in his hometown of Salt Lake City, UT, at age 11. Just one year later, he moved to London to live and train with the top dance coaches in the world and attend the prestigious Italia Conti performing arts school where he studied theatre, music and dance.

A multi-talented entertainer, two-time Emmy Award winner and 8 time nominee for Best Choreography, Hough has also appeared in film, television and stage projects as an actor.  He made his feature film debut for director Duane Adler and producer Robert Cort in the feature film Make Your Move and has a recurring role on the ABC series Nashville.  His stage performances include Radio City Music Hall’s Spring Spectacular costarring alongside the Tony Award winning Laura Benanti and the critically acclaimed production of Footloose which he starred as the male lead in London’s West End.  Hough will take the stage again in 2017 when he stars in the role Gene Kelly made famous in the Harvey Weinstein production of Singin’ in the Rain on Broadway.  In December of 2016, Hough starred with Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Martin Short and Harvey Fierstein in NBC’s Hairspray Live!

In May of this year, Hough will join Jennifer Lopez and Ne-yo at the judges table for the NBC series World of Dance. “World of Dance,” is described as an unparalleled dance competition that will feature solo artists competing against duos and crews in all genres of dance, including hip hop, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, and more. The winner will receive a grand prize of $1 million.

Hough can also add author to his growing list of credits.  His memoir Taking the Lead; Lessons from a Life in Motion hit stands in August of 2014 and rapidly was named to the prestigious New York Times Best-Seller list during two non-consecutive time periods.  In 2014 Hough and his sister Julianne teamed for a live stage dance concert MOVE Live on Tour performing in 50 cities around the country, in 2015 they toured again selling out scores of venues on their 47 city outing.  In 2017 they again are on a sold out tour of 48 cities around the United States with their show Move – Beyond – Live on Tour.

With celebrity partners on Dancing with the Stars that have included Brooke Burke, Jennie Garth, Ricki Lake, Maria Menounos Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley, Amy Purdy and Bindi Irwin, Hough is best known for his innovation and daring choreography on the show.  Hough is the winningest professional dancer with six Mirror Ball Trophies.  His work has brought him Emmy nominations and inquiries from the film and music world regarding his dance knowledge and ability.