What ‘DWTS’ Judge Derek Hough Wants to Tell His Younger Self
Photo by ABC/Christopher Willard Reading Time: 2 minutes
In a recent interview in The Jennifer Hudson Show, Derek Hough talked about the pressures of being a competitive dancer. The three-time Emmy winner also opened about the realizations that came with his victories.
Derek Hough Didn’t Feel Like He Was Good Enough
From the start, Derek Hough was aware that he was being “judged and scrutinized” as a competitive dancer in the entertainment industry. Looking back, the pro-turned-judge in Dancing With The Stars has casted doubts on himself.
“At a very young age I had this, you know, belief in myself which was like ‘am I enough?’ ‘am I good enough?'” he said. “Over time you create this belief like in order for me to feel like I’m enough I have to achieve something.”
The dancer went on to explain that he used to base his self worth upon the wins he obtains. That mindset drove him to accomplish more in his dancing career. However, despite the awards, Hough felt that something was still missing.
“I became the world champion, had all these accolades, all these awards and then I come home, and I still didn’t feel like I was enough,” he said.
For those who may not know, Hough began dancing at a young age of 11 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Additionally, he trained in London with some of the world’s best dancing coaches theater, music and dance. As a young dancer, the pressures to be perfect and to always win were tough.
Now, He Believes Life is About More Than Achievements
Upon receiving prestigious awards, Hough admitted that he failed to realize one important thing sooner. While the glitz and the glam of the awards are nice, it’s not the only thing that defines a person.
“It’s about who become as a person along the way,” he said. “That’s really going to fulfill us.”
The talk show host wholeheartedly agreed with the dancer’s statement. With these words in mind, Hough wished to tell Little Derek the same.
“When you start to realize that you already are enough, you already are and you always have been and you always will be. No matter what,” he said.
Even though Hough is no longer a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars, he is still seen on the judging panel. Since taking the position in season 29, fans have liked the judging style of the six-time mirrorball trophy winner. It’s rumored that he and Hayley Erbert will perform various dances as guests throughout the season.
