DEREK HOUGH AND HIS BOOK TAKING THE LEAD: LESSIONS FROM A LIFE IN MOTION
The Emmy Award-winning fan favorite, and the only five-time champion of the hit ABC reality show “Dancing With the Stars,” Derek Hough, shares his story for the first time in Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion (William Morrow; On-sale 8/5/2014; Hardcover; $24.99). Opening up like never before, the dynamic Hough discusses the tremendous struggles he faced growing up in Salt Lake City, how he found refuge by moving abroad, and what it was like to enter London’s competitive ballroom dancing world at such a young age. Derek also details the highs and lows of life on and off the dance floor of “Dancing with the Stars” and everything he’s learned on his journey so far that has helped shape him into the caring, compassionate, and immensely talented man he is today.
In Taking the Lead, Derek describes how his experiences have taught him to embrace a positive outlook and shares the insights he’s gained working with celebrity partners such as Kellie Pickler, Jennifer Grey, Jennie Garth, Ricki Lake, Maria Menounos, Amber Riley, and Shawn Johnson, as well as never-before-told, behind-the-scenes stories from the show. Derek acts not only as a dance partner, but as a counselor to the stars, turning his celebrity contestants into the best versions of themselves. He shares his secrets of success throughout the book and acts as a life coach along the way, showing us how with a little practice, we can all learn to shine.
ABOUT DEREK HOUGH
Derek Hough began dancing at age eleven in his hometown of Salt Lake City, UT and moved to London a year later to live and train with the top dance coaches in the world and attend the Italia Conti Academy. A multitalented entertainer, Emmy award–winner, and the only five-time champion of the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars, Derek has performed in London’s West End and on Broadway. He lives in Los Angeles. Follow @derekhough on Twitter.