Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Derek Hough

How Derek Hough built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Derek Hough is an American dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer. He is best known as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars from 2007 to 2016, where he won a record-breaking six times with his celebrity partners. Hough received 14 Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Choreography, winning four times. He transitioned to judging the series starting with season 29. Hough's success and recognition in dance and choreography have made him a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2001: Harry Potter Cameo

In 2001, Derek Hough made a cameo appearance in the movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

2006: Starred in Footloose: The Musical

In 2006, Derek Hough starred as Ren in the original cast production of Footloose: The Musical at the Novelo Theatre in London's West End.

July 14, 2007: Panelist on BBC One's DanceX

On July 14, 2007, Derek Hough was one of Bruno Tonioli's panelists on BBC One's DanceX.

2007: Dancing with the Stars Debut

In 2007, Derek Hough began his role as a professional dancer on ABC's Dancing with the Stars.

April 29, 2008: Dancing with the Stars Elimination

On April 29, 2008, Derek Hough and his partner Shannon Elizabeth were eliminated from Dancing with the Stars, finishing in sixth place.

November 25, 2008: Dancing with the Stars Win

On November 25, 2008, Derek Hough and Brooke Burke won season seven of Dancing with the Stars.

March 2009: Ballas Hough Band Debut CD Release

In March 2009, Derek Hough's band, the Ballas Hough Band, released their self-titled debut CD with Hollywood Records, featuring Hough on lead vocals, guitar, and songwriting.

May 5, 2009: Dancing with the Stars Elimination

On May 5, 2009, Derek Hough and his partner Lil' Kim were eliminated from Dancing with the Stars, finishing in fifth place.

November 17, 2009: Dancing with the Stars Elimination

On November 17, 2009, Derek Hough and his partner Joanna Krupa were eliminated from Dancing with the Stars during the semi-finals, finishing fourth.

January 8, 2010: Broadway Debut

On January 8, 2010, Derek Hough made his Broadway debut in Burn the Floor.

May 25, 2010: Dancing with the Stars Win

On May 25, 2010, Derek Hough and Nicole Scherzinger won Dancing with the Stars, marking Hough's second win.

November 23, 2010: Dancing with the Stars Win

On November 23, 2010, Derek Hough and Jennifer Grey won Dancing with the Stars, marking Hough's third win.

April 25, 2011: Better with You Guest Appearance

On April 25, 2011, Derek Hough made a guest appearance on the ABC show Better with You as a dance instructor.

2011: Movie Role in Make Your Move

In 2011, Derek Hough took a break from Dancing with the Stars to star in the movie Make Your Move.

July 27, 2012: Announced Departure from DWTS

On July 27, 2012, Derek Hough announced that season 15 would be his last on Dancing with the Stars.

2012: Rock of Ages Cameo

In 2012, Derek Hough made a cameo appearance in the movie Rock of Ages.

February 22, 2013: Return to Dancing With the Stars

On February 22, 2013, Derek Hough announced his return to Dancing with the Stars for season 16.

May 21, 2013: Dancing with the Stars Win

On May 21, 2013, Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler won Dancing with the Stars, marking Hough's fourth win.

August 2, 2013: Confirmed Return to DWTS

On August 2, 2013, Derek Hough confirmed his return to Dancing with the Stars for season 17.

September 4, 2013: DWTS Season 17 Cast Announcement

On September 4, 2013, the cast for season 17 of Dancing with the Stars was announced, including Derek Hough and his partner Amber Riley.

2013: Collaboration with Ice Dancers

In 2013, Derek Hough collaborated with world champion ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White on a number for their upcoming 2014 Sochi winter Olympics short dance program.

March 18, 2014: Move Live on Tour Announcement

On March 18, 2014, Derek Hough and his sister Julianne announced "Move Live on Tour", a summer tour of over 40 cities across the U.S. and Canada.

March 31, 2014: Make Your Move Premiere

On March 31, 2014, Derek Hough's first movie Make Your Move premiered in Los Angeles.

May 14, 2014: Directed "Get My Name" Music Video

On May 14, 2014, Derek Hough directed Mark Ballas' music video for his song "Get My Name," which was released on MTV.

May 20, 2014: Dancing with the Stars Runner-Up

On May 20, 2014, Derek Hough and his partner Amy Purdy were the runners-up on season 18 of Dancing with the Stars.

May 25, 2014: Move Live on Tour Start

On May 25, 2014, Derek and Julianne Hough embarked on their sold-out "Move Live on Tour" in Park City, Kansas.

July 26, 2014: Move Live on Tour End

On July 26, 2014, Derek and Julianne Hough's "Move Live on Tour" ended in Los Angeles.

August 5, 2014: Release of "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion"

On August 5, 2014, Derek Hough released his first book, "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion".

August 13, 2014: DWTS Season 19 Return

On August 13, 2014, it was announced that Derek Hough would be returning for season 19 of Dancing with the Stars.

August 14, 2014: Nashville Cast

On August 14, 2014, it was announced that Derek Hough would join the cast of the ABC series Nashville for a multi-episode arc as Noah West.

August 24, 2014: "Taking the Lead" Enters NY Times Best Seller List

On August 24, 2014, Derek Hough's book "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion" appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list.

2014: Success of 2014 Tour

Following the success of the 2014 tour, the Houghs announced the return of 'Move Live on Tour' in the summer of 2015.

2014: Olympic Gold Medal Win

In 2014, Meryl Davis and Charlie White went on to win the gold medal with the routine that Derek Hough helped create in 2013.

January 13, 2015: Appearance in New York Spring Spectacular

On January 13, 2015, it was announced that Derek Hough would appear in the New York Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.

February 24, 2015: DWTS Season 20 Return

On February 24, 2015, Derek Hough was announced as a returning professional dancer on season 20 of Dancing with the Stars.

June 12, 2015: Move Live on Tour Return

On June 12, 2015, Derek and Julianne Hough returned with "Move Live on Tour" for the summer, visiting over 40 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

August 8, 2015: Move Live on Tour Concluded

On August 8, 2015, Derek and Julianne Hough concluded their "Move Live on Tour", that visited over 40 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

November 24, 2015: Dancing with the Stars Win

On November 24, 2015, Derek Hough and Bindi Irwin won Dancing with the Stars, marking Hough's sixth win on the show.

2015: Mark & Derek's Excellent Flip Airs

In 2015, Derek Hough and Mark Ballas' home renovation project was broadcast as a four episode series on HGTV called Mark & Derek's Excellent Flip.

2015: New York Spring Spectacular Appearance

In 2015, Derek Hough appeared in the New York Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

April 18, 2016: Jane the Virgin Guest Star

On April 18, 2016, Derek Hough guest starred on The CW series, Jane the Virgin.

April 27, 2016: Hough to play Corny Collins in Hairspray Live!

On April 27, 2016, it was announced that Derek Hough would be playing Corny Collins in the NBC live broadcast of Hairspray.

August 30, 2016: DWTS Season 23 Return

On August 30, 2016, it was revealed that Derek Hough would return as a professional dancer for season 23 of Dancing with the Stars.

November 7, 2016: Dancing with the Stars Elimination

On November 7, 2016, Derek Hough and Marilu Henner were eliminated on Dancing with the Stars, finishing in 6th place.

December 14, 2016: MOVE BEYOND Live on Tour Announcement

On December 14, 2016, Derek and Julianne Hough announced their new tour, MOVE BEYOND Live on Tour, which will start in 2017.

2016: Appearance in "The Arena" Music Video

In 2016, Derek Hough appeared in the music video for Lindsey Stirling's song "The Arena", and also choreographed it.

2016: Dancing with the Stars Departure

In 2016, Derek Hough concluded his run as a professional dancer on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, having secured a record-breaking six wins with his celebrity partners.