Derek Hough has never shied away from sharing his love of dance, but during a recent Emmy consideration panel, the Dancing with the Stars judge revealed just how deeply the show has shaped his life. Speaking candidly on April 6, Hough credited the long-running series with changing the way audiences view dancers and giving him a chance to step into a role he never imagined: an “artistic athlete.”
Hough explained that his journey with dance began when he was only 11 years old. At the time, pursuing the art form was anything but celebrated. “I honestly was bullied as a kid going to school for being a dancer. I was picked on,” he shared. Those difficult memories, he noted, make the current respect he receives all the more meaningful.
“For me, having a platform and having a stage like Dancing with the Stars that is elevating dance to new heights over this past, almost, 20 years—it means everything,” he said. “Now to see football games, basketball games, whatever it is, and they go, ‘Yo, that tango was incredible, man,’ it hits me on a much deeper level than just a compliment.”
Hough referenced his special Argentine Tango with close friend and fellow pro Mark Ballas on the season 33 finale, a routine that drew praise even from sports fans. “To see that little boy that grew up when dancing wasn’t cool, and to see where it’s now—it’s looked at as artistic athletes. Dancers are artistic athletes. And that, for me, is just an amazing thing,” he reflected.
For Hough, the success of DWTS is not only about dance but also about resilience, teamwork, and community. “This show is the gift that keeps on giving,” he said with pride. “The fact that we’ve been around for so long and still doing what we’re doing is a true testament to the heart and soul of the show. So much depends on such an amazing cast.”
His sister Julianne Hough, who joined him on the panel, echoed that sentiment. The siblings both launched their careers on DWTS in 2007, with Julianne leaving in 2009 and Derek continuing until 2016 before later returning as a judge. “Fans care about everybody on this show,” Julianne said. “They care about the celebrities, the judges, the host—it’s rare, and that’s why they keep coming back.”
Season 33 was a record-breaker, ending with Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei winning the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Hough credited the cast’s creativity and social media presence for much of the season’s success. “It’s like the show continues all week long,” he explained. “Sometimes it’s hard because I just love the TikToks, but really, it starts with the dancing—and fans fall in love with everyone.”
Beyond ratings, Hough sees the impact of DWTS in cultural terms. Once considered an extracurricular or hobby, dance has become a respected discipline celebrated in homes across the country. The show, he believes, has allowed viewers to see the passion, athleticism, and artistry behind every step.
Looking back on his journey, Hough remains grateful for how far both he and the art of dance have come. “I’m just thankful for this beautiful show that has elevated dance so much,” he said. For a boy once bullied for stepping onto the dance floor, the platform has done more than change his career—it has redefined his place in the world.
