This week on NBC’s Running Wild with Bear Grylls, “World of Dance” judge Derek Hough teams up with Bear as they zig-zag across the treacherous mountains of Bulgaria.
Fans of Bear and his inimitable survival skills reality show know that the iron man relishes in performing daring physical acts of bravery in spectacular scenic spots around the world.
But who is his latest guinea pig, erm, adventure partner? We’ve got you covered with five fast facts about the talented and gorgeous professional dancer and choreographer, Derek Hough!
The 33-year old Utah native was born into a prominent Mormon family on May 17, 1985. He’s the fourth of Marianne and Bruce Hough’s five children.
Derek’s talent for fancy footwork is in his DNA: All four of his grandparents were dancers, while his parents met when they danced together on a college ballroom dancing team.
Derek debuted on ABC’s premier dance-competition series, Dancing with the Stars, in 2007, and his work has earned him two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography.
His sister is the dancer Julianne Hough. Both studied dance in London with esteemed dance coaches Corky and Shirley Ballas.
In addition to dance, Derek’s creative talents extend to music (he plays piano, guitar and drums) and he’s taught at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
How does Derek fare away from the dance floor and on an icy mountain peak with Bear? Here’s a hint: along the way they navigate a rugged mountain ridge and swim across a nearly frozen lake!
But Derek also opens up and shares his struggles with childhood bullying as well as his passion for dance. Does Bear do a backflip? Does Derek perform a pirouette? Be sure to tune in and find out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIh21C5Cbgs
Running Wild with Bear Grylls airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC.