“Derek Hough Says Dancing with the Stars Allowed Him to Be Seen as ‘an Artistic Athlete’ After Years of Being Bullied as a Kid”:

“Derek Hough Says Dancing with the Stars Allowed Him to Be Seen as ‘an Artistic Athlete’ After Years of Being Bullied as a Kid”:

Derek Hough Says Dancing with the Stars Allowed Him to Be Seen as ‘an Artistic Athlete’ After Years of Being Bullied as a Kid

For many, Derek Hough is the definition of confidence, grace, and artistic brilliance.

With his magnetic presence on Dancing with the Stars, the Emmy Award-winning choreographer and dancer has captivated millions with his storytelling through movement.

Yet, behind the glitz, glamour, and standing ovations lies a childhood marked by bullying, self-doubt, and a relentless pursuit of belonging.

Now a celebrated judge and former six-time champion on DWTS, Hough has opened up about how the show didn’t just change his career—it helped reshape the world’s perception of male dancers and gave him the validation he never received as a boy.

A Difficult Start

Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Hough was introduced to dance at a young age, but not everyone around him viewed his passion as something to be proud of.

“I was bullied a lot as a kid,” Hough has said in interviews.

“I’d be called names, pushed around, and made to feel less than just because I loved to dance.

For a long time, I felt like I had to hide this part of myself to avoid ridicule.”

Hough’s love for dance was often misunderstood by peers, especially in a culture that, at the time, didn’t embrace boys in the arts—especially not in something as expressive and physically elegant as ballroom dance.

He was constantly forced to defend his passion and often questioned whether he would ever be taken seriously.

“I felt like I was always trying to prove something—that I was strong, that dance wasn’t weak, and that I was more than just some stereotype,” he recalled.

Turning Point: Training in London

At just 12 years old, Hough moved to London to train in dance more seriously—a life-changing decision made by his parents who recognized his potential.

There, he trained under the guidance of Shirley and Corky Ballas, world-renowned dance coaches.

The environment gave him structure, discipline, and most importantly, a sense of belonging.

“In London, I was surrounded by other dancers who were just as passionate and committed.

I started to find pride in what I did,” Hough said.

“It was the first time I realized I wasn’t alone.”

It was in those formative years that Hough began to blossom, not just as a dancer, but as a person.

He developed a strong work ethic, sharpened his skills, and slowly began to let go of the shame he once felt.

Dancing with the Stars: The Game-Changer

When Hough joined Dancing with the Stars in 2007, the show was already a hit, but few could have predicted just how much he would influence its legacy.

With his athletic choreography, charismatic performances, and undeniable chemistry with his celebrity partners, Hough quickly became a fan favorite.

But more than just a star on the dance floor, Hough says the show gave him something much deeper.

“Dancing with the Stars allowed me to be seen as an artistic athlete,” Hough said.

“People started recognizing that dance is physically demanding, emotionally powerful, and worthy of respect.”

Week after week, Hough brought routines that were not only technically brilliant but also emotionally resonant.

He fused storytelling with athleticism, showcasing the incredible strength, stamina, and precision required to perform at a high level.

“It wasn’t just about spinning someone around the floor,” he explained.

“It was about telling a story with your body, about making people feel something. And that takes every ounce of your being.”

Through his visibility on the show, Hough helped change the narrative for male dancers everywhere.

Young boys watching DWTS began to see someone who looked like them, danced like them, and was celebrated for it.

Redefining Masculinity Through Movement

One of Hough’s greatest achievements, perhaps even more than his mirrorball trophies, is the way he’s helped redefine masculinity in dance.

For decades, male dancers were often dismissed or labeled unfairly.

Hough, with his confident stage presence and unapologetic passion, has helped challenge that stigma.

“I think one of the most powerful things you can do as a man is to be in touch with your emotions, and dance is a perfect vehicle for that,” he said.

“There’s strength in vulnerability, and dance allows you to show that.”

From powerful paso dobles to tender contemporary routines, Hough has shown that emotion and athleticism are not mutually exclusive.

His success has opened the door for more acceptance, more curiosity, and more respect for male dancers of all ages.

Full Circle: Mentorship and Legacy

Today, Hough serves as a judge on Dancing with the Stars, bringing his journey full circle.

He’s no longer the young dancer trying to prove his worth—he’s the mentor helping others find theirs.

“Being on the other side of the table has given me a new appreciation for what dancers go through,” he said.

“I see myself in so many of them—the nerves, the passion, the desire to be understood.”

Off the stage, Hough is also using his platform to encourage kindness, self-expression, and resilience, often speaking to young dancers about pushing through adversity and embracing what makes them different.

“Being different is your superpower,” he often says.

“The things that made me feel isolated as a kid are the same things that made me successful as an adult.”

Looking Ahead

As he continues to choreograph, perform, and inspire, Hough remains a powerful voice in the dance world and beyond.

His journey from bullied boy to celebrated artist is a testament to perseverance and the healing power of art.

“I used to dance to escape,” Hough reflected.

“Now I dance to connect. And if sharing my story helps one kid out there feel seen or proud of who they are, then it’s all worth it.”