PLAIN TWP − Derek Hough took a question from a local dance studio that inspired him to rise from his seat and lead the audience in a motivational exercise. A young dancer asked him for advice on how to motivate yourself to train and perform. Hough, the 40-year-old champion dancer and television celebrity from "Dancing With the Stars," stood on the stage at First Christian Church on April 23 and led an around 2,000 people in an uplifting chant. "Today is the day I'm at my peak!" he bellowed. The charismatic Hough repeated the words, imploring those in attendance to fulfill their destiny. Raising his voice, he drove his fist through the air, leaned forward and contorted his face with emotion.
He's also author of the New York Times bestseller "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion." Hough was engaging, energetic and passionate regardless of the subject — from being bullied as a child to learning to dance in London as a young boy to the challenges of his wife's health crisis to the importance of both physical and mental health. Fans and admirers of Hough were gleeful to see him up close and not through a television screen. But they also were riveted as he wove deeply personal stories about his struggles and triumphs both in dance and life. Here's a look at the highlights of Hough's presentation, as well as thoughts from some of those in attendance.
'I had to be No. 1.'
Despite his prolific success as a dancer, Hough admitted to battling moments of insecurity. As a competitor, he was subject to scrutiny and criticism, often leading to self-doubt. "In order for me to feel like I was worthy of love, I had to succeed, I had to win, I had to win the trophy, I had to be No. 1, and only then would I feel I was enough and I was worthy," Hough said. He learned there's more to life than winning and material success, understanding that just being himself was enough. And to live in the moment and enjoy the beauty in the world.
'The greatest joy I've ever felt.'
Hough recounted when his wife Hayley Erbert nearly died from a health emergency in 2023. A doctor told Hough his wife might not survive, and if she did, she likely wouldn't be the same person he had known. Erbert was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma due to a burst blood vessel, TODAY reported. Forty percent of her skull was removed. Seven staples were on the back of her head. Tubes were connected to her body to keep her alive. Her face was swollen beyond recognition. "That's the greatest joy I've ever felt in myself," he said of her recovery following brain surgery. "To see her smile (was) the greatest joy I've ever felt." He was amazed at his wife's attitude. "She could have been living in fear and could have said, 'Why me,?' And she wasn't ... she was incredible."
Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Michael Jackson
Following questions and answers with the moderator, Hough fielded audience questions. He was asked to name three people, living or deceased, whom he would like to have dinner with. "Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, the greats," Hough said before pausing and then flashing a smile. "And why not? Michael Jackson. The movie just came out. What I've always admired about him was he was a student. When you look at the moonwalk, the suit, the lean, that's all Fred Astaire. ... They were all things he took and really made them his own and immortalized them in his own way."
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Story by Ed Balint
Canton Repository