Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion

by Derek Hough

Overview

"Sometimes I've taken home the trophy, sometimes I've stumbled or tripped over my own feet. But every move I've made has shaped me into the person I am today."

Season after season, millions of fans tune into Dancing with the Stars to watch Derek Hough, the talented, consummate competitor whose skill and commitment have made him the show's all-time champion. Whether he's dancing with an Olympic gold medalist, an internationally renowned recording star, or a celebrated actress, Derek has an undeniable talent for bringing out the best in his partners. He does more than just tutor them in the fox-trot and paso doble—he teaches them how to see beyond their limits and realize their true potential.

Now, for the first time ever, Derek opens up about his transformation from bullied little boy to accomplished performer and coach who lets nothing—and no one—stand in his way. In Taking the Lead he details how his experiences have taught him to embrace a positive outlook, channel his creativity and drive, and face his fears head-on.

From his early training in London beginning at the age of twelve, to grueling dance competitions around the world, to never-before-told stories from behind the scenes of Dancing with the Stars, Derek writes with honesty and insight about his extraordinary journey. And in sharing his own story, he shows all of us how we can take charge of pursuing our goals, overcome obstacles, and become winners—not just on the dance floor but in life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062420329
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/04/2015
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	186,113
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Emmy Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Derek Hough is the only five-time champion in the franchise history of the ABC show Dancing with the Stars. At eleven years old, Hough started dancing in his hometown of Salt Lake City and one year later moved to London to attend a performing arts school where he studied theatre, music, and dance. He has been nominated six times for an Emmy Award, has acted in film, and has performed in London's West End and on Broadway. He also has headlined at Radio City Music Hall and has teamed up with his sister, Julianne, for a live stage dance concert called Move Live On Tour.

Table of Contents

Foreword Kellie Pickler ix

Introduction 1

1 Indiana Jones and the Brothers Down the Block 5

2 Girls and More Girls 21

3 Standing Up 31

4 Real Men 37

5 You Win Some, You Lose Some 45

6 My Second Parents 51

7 The Ballas Brat Pack 65

8 Wild Thang 73

9 Change Partners and Dance 83

10 The World in My Hands 93

11 Cutting Footloose 101

12 Reaching for the Stars 111

13 Pushing Through the Pain 125

14 Staring Fear in the Face 141

15 Nobody's Perfect 149

16 Life Is What You Make It 157

17 Next Steps 167

Ask Derek: Q&A 177

Acknowledgments 187

Editorial Reviews

01/01/2014
Five-time Emmy Award nominee and the only four-time champion of the hit ABC reality show Dancing with the Stars, Hough explains how he turns stumbling celebrity partners into commendable dancers. With a 75,000-copy first printing.

Library Journal