Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion

Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King's English. Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with more than 35 years' experience, 17 at the Deseret News. Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock. Deseret News Church News Subscribe. Lessons from a Life in Motion" is by Derek Hough. As a result, he was often in trouble. Sharon Haddock Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with more than 40 years' experience, 17 at the Deseret News.

Guess the country of origin for this unusual Christmas tradition. 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.

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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.

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! 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: Derek is one of the professional dancers on the show Dancing With The Stars.

If you watch the show you will probably like this book. He talks about his childhood years and gives inspirational advice that he has learned along the way.

• Derek Hough's 'Taking the Lead': 'DWTS' Pro Reveals Life Lessons in New Book - ABC News.
• Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion by Derek Hough.
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I was a little bored when he talked about each dance competition he had been in. I could have done without the excerpts at the end of each chapter where people in his life talked about what a wonderful guy he is. Aug 10, Rachel rated it it was amazing. Derek Hough is an amazing man!

Not only was his book inspirational and uplifting it was an honest man speaking honest feelings. We had the pleasure of meeting him, he is so sincere and down to earth. He seems more like your best friend than a celebrity. I recommend this book to everyone and if ever given the chance to meet him do it!! Feb 12, Leash rated it it was ok. Felt like Hough asked people to write about what they liked about him instead of providing more of how he got where he is now.

His story is good, but it got old when each chapter had a person writing about how great Hough is. Aug 11, Christina rated it it was amazing. When I heard he was coming out with a book I preordered it. This book did not disappoint. This book told the story of Derek's life yes, but it also was very inspirational.

Sep 08, Cathy rated it really liked it. It is easy to see why he is an inspiration to his partners, although he feels they are his inspiration! Feb 04, Susan Sigourney rated it it was amazing. A well-written autobiography of a great dancer. Derek recounts his childhood growing up in Utah, the only son in a family of 5 children.

He started taking dancing lessons where his sisters went, and soon found his lifelong passion.

When he was 11 he was invited to live in England with Mark Ballas and his parents, Shirley and Co A well-written autobiography of a great dancer. When he was 11 he was invited to live in England with Mark Ballas and his parents, Shirley and Corky, where he went to school, continued with dance lessons and competed in ballroom dancing competitions, winning many trophies. He has also been a singer and actor and was the lead in the play Footloose in England; an interesting parallel is his sister Julianne played the lead in the remake of the movie Footloose.

How do you not let fame get to your head? My family definitely keeps me grounded. Nobody is any better than anybody else. Everyone has a song that hits them at an important time in their life. Every time I hear it, I feel hopeful. It reminds me of dusk. It makes me feel happy to be alive.

Do you have a bucket list? And if so, what are some of the things on that list? My bucket list is never-ending! I want to get my Indiana Jones hat on and travel the world. I want to try cave diving—kind of like scuba diving, but you go into these massive caves underwater with a flashlight. It would be terrifying, but incredible. From the book Taking the Lead: Play Taking the Lead. Kate Hudson is Weight Watchers' newest ambassador. The Super Bowl halftime show used to be the biggest gig for musicians. Miss Spain makes history as 1st transgender Miss Universe contestant.

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