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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.
KellyRNCCRN
Posted Wed Aug 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This is such a good book! For the first time, Derek opens up about how he was bullied as a young child in Utah. As a mom myself, it made me want to cry and just give him a big hug. I've been a fan of Derek pretty much since the beginning of his debut on Dancing with the Stars but he really caught my eye in season 10 with Nicole Scherzinger. I had a chance to see his Move Live on Tour last month with his sister Julianne and got to meet them both prior to the show. They were both so sweet and nice! SO much more gorgeous in person.
Derek shares his lessons he's learned over the course of his life in this book. He shares competing on the international ballroom dance circuit in Europe while under the tutelage of Corky and Shirley Ballas in London. He tells of how he got involved with Dancing With the Stars. Several of his former Dancing with the Stars partners share snippets of what they think of Derek at the end of the chapters..we hear from Shawn Johnson, Amber Riley, Maria Menounos, Jennie Garth, Jennifer Grey, Amy Purdy, Brooke Burke and his Season 16 partner, Kellie Pickler, wrote the forward for this book!
If you ever wanted to know more about the man who has won Dancing with the Stars an unprecendented FIVE TIMES and who also won an Emmy for Outstanding Choreography last year (he's also nominated again this year), I highly recommend you read this book. If you are one of those people who think Derek is an arrogant jerk? Again, read this book, I think it'll change your mind.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Wed Aug 13 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I Also Recommend:
I truly loved Taking the Lead. I know of Derek Hough from his work on Dancing with the Stars, but was so interested to find out the background and experiences of the man I see every week on TV. It is such a vivid and interesting life. From being bullied as a child to his success on TV, Derek Hough really lets you into his life.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MaLadyReadsalot
Posted Fri Sep 05 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This is not a biography but a look into personal events of Derek's life from trials and tribulations to successes and failures all of which push him to constantly strive for improvement in himself and others. An easy and empowering read to prove life goes on, failure is not a loss but a challenge from which one should learn then move on. You're the one who decides if you "go for it with gusto" or "just give up"!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Sep 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
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Posted Mon Sep 15 00:00:00 EDT 2014
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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, ...