Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion

by Derek Hough

Overview

Derek Hough, the dashing Emmy Award-winning fan favorite, and only five-time champion of the hit ABC reality show Dancing With the Stars, tells the inspiring story of his life and career, and shares insider tips of how he transforms his celebrity dance partners into confident, charismatic champions.

For eleven seasons, millions of people have tuned in to 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 instills in each of his celebrity partners a deep passion, respect for hard work, and an irrepressible joie de vie spirit.

Now, for the first time ever, Derek opens up about his life and the lessons he’s learned on and off the dance floor, revealing how he went from bullied boy to ballroom boss. He details how his experiences have taught him to embrace a positive outlook, and shares the insights he’s gained working with celebrity partners, along with never-before-told, behind-the-scenes stories from the show.

Throughout, Derek spills the real secrets of learning to dance—connection, respect, and cooperative commitment—and demonstrates how he draws on the lessons of dance and competition to embrace and overcome the daily challenges we all face.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062323194
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	08/05/2014
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Ciara Flood would spend hours as a child creating stories and characters. Now she is grown up and lucky enough to do those things as a job. She lives with her partner and daughter in London.

Ciara Flood would spend hours as a child creating stories and characters. Now she is grown up and lucky enough to do those things as a job. She lives with her partner and daughter in London.

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

"It's hard to sleep in a new bed. Flynn has a brand-new big-boy bed, but falling asleep in it is not as easy as it seems. For one thing, the bed comes with a walrus. A big one. 'Are you hungry?' the little white boy asks. It turns out the answer is yes, but food doesn't make Walrus sleepy. Extra blankets, a glass of milk, and a serenade don't help either, though they do disturb Flynn's parents (also white), who naturally assume that there is no walrus and it's Flynn who can't sleep. Warm, funny, and appealing illustrations show Flynn as he adjusts the light, checks for monsters, and scratches Walrus' itch while his tired parents suffer through what they believe is noisy evidence of Flynn's imagination. It's not until Flynn offers a cuddle that Walrus drifts off, but then Flynn discovers that the bed isn't big enough for the two of them. Flynn's parents agree that Walrus can spend the night with them if Flynn promises to sleep, but they are in for a big walrus-shaped surprise! Children will enjoy Flynn's inventiveness as well as his awareness of a situation his parents don't perceive. Charming endpapers extend the story at both the beginning and end and leave room for creative discussion and play. A humorous bedtime story that children will recognize as a twist on their own experiences."—Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher