To kick off Season 14 of "Dancing with the Stars," "Extra" has compiled a list of 10 things about Derek Hough, the professional partner of "Extra" co-host Maria Menunous. Enjoy these fun facts about the three-time 'DWTS' champ!
10 Things About Derek Hough!
Derek sat out Season 12 of "DWTS" to star in the feature, "Cobu," about a pair of star-crossed dancers who battle in underground dance clubs in New York City. The film is due in late 2012. Derek also played a Hogwarts Schoolboy in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."
Derek has partnered with three models (one win), three actresses (one win), and two singers (one win), but has never had an athlete for a partner. He also remains the only pro who has taken all of his partners to week 7 in the competition, and 7 of his partners to week 9.
The "Footloose" and "Burlesque" star Julianne Hough is Derek's sister, but the entire family shares a love for dance! His parents met in a Ballroom Dance class in college, and his oldest sister is a dance teacher in Utah.
Derek Hough was born May 17, 1985 in Salt Lake City, Utah and is the only male of five siblings. When he's not dancing, he's probably wakeboarding, skateboarding or snowboarding.
In 2007, he was feature as one of People Magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive."
When he was 7, Derek met ballroom legend Shirley Ballas while taking master classes at Center Stage. She took notice of him and his sister, Julianne, and they both ended up living with Shirley in London to perfect their dance skills. Derek and "Dancing with the Stars" counterpart Mark Ballas have been good pals since.
Derek holds himself and his partners to incredibly high standards, but he used to be even worse in his competition days! "I was terrible -- I would fall apart, I would throw up," says Derek of his performance-day jitters. Derek credits his time on "DWTS" with helping him let go, and teaching him the importance of patience.
Derek and his best friend, Mark Ballas, formed the "Ballas Hough Band," and their debut album was released in March 2009 on Hollywood Records.
While training as a young dancer, Derek attended various competitions including the New York City Dance Alliance and L.A. Underground, winning NYCDA's Junior Male Outstanding Dancer title. His other titles include: World Under 21 Latin American Champion, two-time Open British Champion, two-time International "Open to the World" Champion and two-time US Open Champion.
Where Would Derek Be Without 'DWTS'?
Prior to joining as a pro in 2007, Hough starred as Ren in the 2006 West End production of "Footloose: The Musical," and performed in the 2006 UK national tour. If it weren't for his break with "DWTS," Derek says his career might have taken an entirely different course, and that he might still be in London!
