Derek Hough discovered dance as a child and chose to follow a career path as a dancer, which was not without its challenges. Hough has previously discussed how he was mercilessly bullied as a child for pursuing his passion. However, he believes that shows like the reality TV dancing competition Dancing with the Stars have helped to change the narrative surrounding men who dance.

“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,” he said, per People. “I honestly was bullied as a kid going to school for being a dancer. I was picked on.” He continued, “Now to see football games, basketball games, whatever it is, and they go, ‘Yo, that tango was incredible, man, that was awesome.'”

Derek Hough Credits Dancing With The Stars For Helping To Make Dance Cool

Derek Hough is a favorite on Dancing with the Stars, having joined the show as a professional dancer in 2007 and becoming a six-time Mirrorball trophy winner (he holds the record for the most wins) and later as a judge. He is celebrated for his talent and is arguably one of the biggest stars to emerge from the series. He is no stranger to compliments about his skills, but what means the most to him is having been a part of a show that is changing the narrative about dance, and how others view men who dance.

“It means a lot more because 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,” he said. “Dancers are artistic athletes. And that, for me, is just an amazing thing. So, I’m just thankful for this beautiful show that has elevated dance so much.”

What Has Derek Hough Said About Being Bullied As A Child

Hough has discussed his experience with childhood bullying before, using his platform to spread awareness and to ensure others do not suffer alone. In 2014, he addressed the crowd at GLSEN’s Respect Awards, informing them he did not tell anyone about his bullying and kept it to himself. “I know now the worst thing you can do is suffer in silence,” Hough said. “Oftentimes we allow ourselves to suffer a lot more than we need to by keeping it to ourselves and carrying the burden alone.”

He emphasized that people in similar situations are “not alone.”

Hough’s recent comments suggest that he was bullied for choosing to become a dancer, but the bullying started even before this, and dancing became an outlet for him. “It became my safe place, the place where I could grow and flourish and where I could find those answers,” he admits.

Hough has also shared his struggles with being a “boy dancer.” In a clip posted on Instagram in 2023, he discussed how he “would get teased, feel embarrassed, and didn’t feel like I fit in.” But the post had a silver lining, as the star claimed he is “proud to see how far the appreciation of dance has come in the last 15 years.” Imagine what another 15 years can help to achieve?

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