Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion

Lessons from a Life in Motion" resembles an advice column more than a memoir, but it's still an interesting look into Hough's life and philosophies. And "Excuses will always get in the way of a responsible life," and "The only thing certain in life is that life isn't certain.

Fans of Hough who have followed his career he's been dancing competitively since he was 10 are likely to gobble it up. He talks about being threatened and bullied as a kid. He discusses his parents' divorce and his challenges in the competitive dance world after he moved to England to live with a foster family. Non-fans may get a touch weary because there's so much preaching between little stories about injuries and stressful moments. There are some sections where Hough is a little more candid and really shares some good ideas, like when he talks about diet, exercise and dance styles.

For example, he writes that the difference between the tango and the Argentine tango is intensity. Positive mind set, flexibility and taking charge to overcoming obstacles for himself and his partners. I would love to let him lead me on the dance floor. Aug 17, DonnaJo Jo Pallini rated it really liked it. Always love to watch Derek dance with his positive attitude. Oct 14, Mary rated it liked it. This book was fun to read because not only is Derek funny, but I am a dancer so it was easy to relate to all of his dancing stories he shared.

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This was a quick easy read and I loved all his motivational quotes and life lessons. I enjoyed his positive outlook and how he approaches those around him with love. It also kind of made me want to go sky diving and then go chase after my dreams. I appreciated how honest he was and that he shared some low points and embarrassing moments in his life. Overa This book was fun to read because not only is Derek funny, but I am a dancer so it was easy to relate to all of his dancing stories he shared.

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Overall it was a fun little read. Sep 18, Adriana M rated it liked it Shelves: I was very interested in reading this book when I saw this at a book store. I am a dancer and had known who Derek Hough was. I really look up to all his work he has created and how well of a dancer he is through different varieties of dance. His choreography is exceptional and his creations are so moving. I wanted to learn more about how he became a dancer and what it took for him to be known around the world.

This book is all about how Derek Hough grew up and eventually became one of the top I was very interested in reading this book when I saw this at a book store. This book is all about how Derek Hough grew up and eventually became one of the top ballroom dancers in the world. This did happen very quickly to Derek. He grew up in Utah with four sisters. His sisters would always be at dance class except for him. One day he tried dance, and eventually fell in love with the sport. He was bullied as a kid and shared many stories of how this made him always feel depressed. It eventually made him skip school and dance classes.

His parents did not know at the time and recently found out right before this book came out. It was very moving to read and all the struggles he had faced and changing schools several times because of this. One day something changed, the Ballas family came to his dance studio to teach a class for a period of time. Shirley and Corky Ballas saw something special in Derek. They were world champion ballroom dancers and had won many other titles as well. They offered to have Derek come back to England and train with them.

He stayed with the Ballas family in England to add to his dance abilities and train hard to win many titles. They also had a son named Mark, that was about the same age as Derek. He also ballroom danced. They became close, almost like brothers to this day. Derek trained so hard and was dedicated to dance, that he won many titles by training with the Ballas family. It led him have an amazing career on Dancing with the Stars. He wrote a lot in this book about how the show changed him and inspired him to learn more.

He was a star and won the show multiple times. His career was skyrocketing, even landed him to be in multiple movies, and earning multiple Emmys. He is an inspiring man and I learned so much by reading this book. I like how he put in a lot of detail when writing this book and sharing stories that he did not tell that many people about. It showed what kind of man he was and what courage he has. I liked how he showed the struggles he had and made himself out to be just like a regular person, than a star.

He also had written inspiring stories and ideas that are so motivational. He also had mini sections from people that have are friends or have worked with him. It showed what an impact he had made on other people's live as well. He is an exceptional writer, dancer, choreographer and person. I don't have anything bad to say about this book. It makes you want to believe more in yourself and live happily. I wish there was a chapter about how Corky and Shirley made an impact on their lives and how it was like training him.

It would have been amazing to read. Hopefully, he will come out with another book to add to all of his new achievements and new experiences he can share. I someday hope to meet Derek Hough. His hard work and dedication payed off. He has created a wonderful name for himself. Oct 28, marcia frederick rated it really liked it. But I have to say that too much of it was somewhat repetitive.

He's a young man, and there is only so much life he's led so far. I did like the commentaries from the different DWTS contestants.

Towards the end I had to kind of fast forward some. I love the show and Derek is a genuine personality that helps to enjoy it even more. He's a handsome young man and there is only so much life he's led so fa Very interesting. He's a handsome young man and there is only so much life he's led so far. I did like the commentaries and the dance descriptions. He makes DWTS enjoyable to watch!!

Sep 30, Babs rated it really liked it. Inspiring and honest are words that come to mind after reading this book. Enjoyed reading the backstories on Derek's partners and upbringing. But saying that, even on my bad days, I make a conscious decision to be happy. You have to make that decision every day, many times a day. I want to be happy, so I am. Mar 16, Debbie rated it liked it. Fans of Dancing with the Stars -- this autobiography is for you! Derek Hough describes being bullied as a young child, his natural and adopted families, and his desire to be a dance competitor.

His talent and ambition are unique; his positive attitude and creativity overcome many obstacles. Short chapters are followed by his lessons for life, such as excuses hold you back. Where will life take him next? An enjoyable, quick read. Aug 28, Joanne rated it it was amazing Shelves: Wow, I just finished this book and it cemented my previous opinion that I'd love to have a conversation with Derek or go to a seminar where he is the speaker. You are in charge of your destiny.

Taking the Lead: Lessons from a life in Motion, by Derek Hou by Tony Klespis on Prezi

Nov 13, Amy Bartelloni rated it it was amazing. I can't believe how much I loved this book! It takes a special kind of person to focus on the positive and bring out the best in other people. He covers everything from conquering your fears to being a leader - even exercise and nutrition. Keep on doing what you're doing, Derek! The world needs more positivity!

Derek Hough's 'Taking the Lead': 'DWTS' Pro Reveals Life Lessons in New Book

My only complaint was the book was too short: Feb 19, Brenda rated it really liked it. Taking the Lead This was an interesting book because it doubled as a book of life experiences as well as a being motivational. Drawing from his personal experiences and his interaction with his family and his dancing partners, Derek intersects and promotes a very positive message, living a balanced life and find unhappiness in perseverance. It will be interesting to see "the rest of his life" unfold before our eyes.

Oct 13, Koren rated it liked it Shelves: If you could dance with anyone on the planet—living or dead—who would you choose to do a duet with and why? When I was younger, Michael Jackson would have been the ultimate duet. He blew me away. Now, after seeing so many movies, I have to say I would like a trio: Fred Astaire on the drums, Gene Kelly on the taps, and me filling in the gaps.

I see how dance transforms the bodies of the stars on the show. I need to lose weight—can it do the same for me? We associate working out with work and with pain. But dancing is fun and you should go for it if it motivates you to move. All consistent movement helps your metabolism. You have to be consistent with how often you move, and you need to eat healthily. What you see on "DWTS" is a combination of people dancing and changing their habits and their whole lives.

In order to do the show, they need to be stronger and they need to be fueled. How difficult was it during the first few seasons of "Dancing with the Stars" when you were competing against Mark and Julianne?

Those days, it was hard-core competition. This felt a little more like fun competition for us. Obviously being on national TV, we want to avoid these fashion emergencies, so the women wear these things called pasties. Who has been your favorite guest judge so far on "DWTS" and why? Have you ever had to change a dance last minute? Amber is a great example.

There was a move where she was supposed to grab me and I did a backflip. In rehearsal, I knocked her in the head. It made her too nervous, so we took it out right before we went onstage to perform it. I used to be very set in my routines, but experience has taught me that you have to be able to change things at the drop of hat to get it done. Do you hang out with the "DWTS" pros after the show? Are you guys friends? We definitely all get along and support one another, out and about. At the premiere of my movie, Val came to the after party.

Val could sense how uncomfortable I was and he knows how self-critical I am.