To refer to Derek Hough as “Derek the Dancer” is an understatement that borders on insulting, as he is so much more than that.
He is a four-time Emmy Award–winning choreographer, a New York Times bestselling author, as well as an accomplished actor, singer, and television personality who currently serves as a judge on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and as the host of syndication’s Extra.
I gave strong consideration to using the title “The Humility to Care,” but ultimately decided to go with “Derek the Dancer” because it aligns more with other tributes I’ve written about individuals who espouse remarkable “good teammate” qualities, like Darnell the Mover, Harold the Shuttle Bus Driver, Amy the Balloon Lady, and Marliese the Photographer.
Usually, these tributes focus on ordinary individuals who conduct themselves in an extraordinary manner. This week, however, is about an extraordinary individual who conducts himself in an unassuming, refreshingly ordinary way.
My daughter (pictured above) recently participated in a dance event organized by Derek Hough and his equally famous sister Julianne Hough—and I couldn’t have been more impressed.
I’ve been around countless youth sports camps and similar events over the years, and I can’t tell you how often I’ve been disappointed by the egos of the high-profile athletes associated with them. Too often, these athletes lend only their names to the events. And when they do make an appearance, they frequently seem inconvenienced, as though this minimal obligation is an imposition.
This was not the case with Derek Hough.
He was involved in every aspect of the event. He openly welcomed guests, judged competitions, and taught classes. He even stopped in on classes he wasn’t teaching to quietly offer subtle corrections to dancers’ form as they trained.
He graciously posed for photographs and filmed TikTok and Instagram videos with participants, and on more than one occasion, I caught him jokingly photobombing unsuspecting attendees.
Derek Hough’s humility, approachability, and genuine, down-to-earth likability stemmed from one simple thing: his willingness to care.
He cared that the event was well organized. He cared that the staff were cordial and accommodating. Most of all, he cared that the dancers and their parents had a meaningful experience and felt sincerely appreciated.
And he didn’t allow his ego to get in the way of doing so.
Success can cause people to lose sight of the impact they have on others, to the point that they begin to see caring as being beneath them. They become so fixated on themselves that their egos prevent them from turning back to help the proverbial “next one in line.”
The symbiotic nature of team relationships requires good teammates to care about more than themselves, because self-centeredness undermines team success.
Throughout the weekend, I found myself watching Derek Hough the same way I used to watch players during practice—not for highlight moments, but for habits. The way he showed up early, stayed engaged, and treated every interaction as if it mattered told me everything I needed to know.
He understood that excellence and humility are not opposing forces, but complementary ones.
On the event’s opening night, the MC introduced Derek Hough as a “man on a mission to convince the world that dancers are athletes.” As a former NCAA athletics coach and proud dance dad, I can confidently confirm that they are. I can also confidently confirm that Derek Hough espouses the care and humility of a good teammate.
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
