Derek Hough told Insider that he believes it would be “fantastic” to have a wheelchair user on a future season of “Dancing With the Stars.”
The choreographer recently released an Instagram video of himself dancing with Chelsie Hill, a dancer who uses a wheelchair, and remarked on his experience dancing with people with impairments.
In an interview promoting his new relationship with Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards from Chase for its “Teach the Love” campaign, he said, “You can create fantastic, amazing works of art, amazing sculptures, and amazing dances with the gear.” “Possibilities are infinite. Honestly.”
Hough, who was a professional dancer and choreographer on “Dancing With the Stars” before he became a judge, recalled how much he enjoyed “going into the unknown” when choreographing dances for his double-amputee celebrity partner Amy Purdy in season 18. Hough and Purdy said in a 2018 video when Hough interviewed Purdy that they frequently created choreography together rather than him “teaching” her a dance, as is more commonly the case with pros and their celebrity dance partners on reality dance competition shows.
Hough at the Emmys in 2013.
REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
Even though he does not consider himself to be “acquainted” with adapted dance, he stated that he is “intrigued” and “interested” about what the program could accomplish with it if a wheelchair user ever competed.
Hough stated that dancing with Purdy helped him to “innovate” routines more because there was “no rule book” on how to be the best dance partners for one another.
As for the most important lesson he has learnt from one of his famous partners, he describes it as follows: This distinction once again belongs to Purdy.
Instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?” when we encounter obstacles in life, she taught him to question “Why is this occurring for me?”
“It just alters your viewpoint in periods of hardship, struggle, and so-called problems, when you wonder, “Where is the gift?” Where is the reward in this difficulty? Where is the good in this issue? Where is the present moment’s gift? “he remarked.
Hough danced with Amy Purdy on season 18 of “Dancing With the Stars.”
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The “Teach the Love” promotion by Chase and Southwest began on October 5, World Teacher’s Day, and continues until November 9. During the month-long campaign, you can nominate a teacher, principal, or school counselor who has impacted your life for a chance to win a “edu-vacation” to one of five US destinations, as detailed by Hough to Insider. Three educators will be selected as the winners.
He stated, “Teachers, especially today and during the past several years, have been incredible superheroes for this country.”
“Dancing With the Stars” airs on Disney+ on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET.