Move to the UK
Derek Hough: Biography of a Song and Dance Man (continued)
Derek and his sister Julianne
England
Derek’s move to England produced a more harmonious environment for him. His new home was Dulwich, England (a village of London). “…It’s a very beautiful place and a very nice house…. It’s such a great city, especially when the sun shines. Because it’s quite rare, you appreciate it so much. And when it does, because it is so green from the rain, it just looks fantastic.
Dulwich, England
“The food, the weather, just everything was completely different.” England was not what Derek had expected. “Being naïve and stupid, I thought when I came over I was going to see people with little eyeglasses and horse carriages and stuff like you see in the movies.”
I love it that I’m still finding stuff out—walking today from rehearsals to Covent Garden, I had no idea it was that close. And I love going to Leicester Square—that’s my favorite place, because I’m the biggest movie buff.”
Leicester Square, London
Education
While in the UK, Derek attended a very prestigious performing arts school, Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts. This Academy is Britain’s oldest and most renowned theater arts training academy. During this time, Derek began the cycle of competing in dance competitions. He was coached in Latin American dancing by Shirley, and the school let him pursue the dancing. “They were very nice and understanding about the whole Latin thing—we were always off traveling around the world, and they were very accommodating to let us do that.”
“When I moved to England I was at a school with people who had the same interests as me and did the same things – it was so much better…it was great to be in an environment where I was being educated in something I was interested in, and I learnt everything over again.”
This picture of Derek is still on the wall at Italia Conti Academy.
From his education at Italia Conti, Derek achieved eight General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSE’s). A GCSE is the name of a non-compulsory academic qualification awarded in a specified subject in secondary education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
“Derek is the most charismatic performer I have seen in 40 years at the school. He has exceptional ability and is multi-talented. He is an outstanding singer, dancer and actor. His career could take off in any number of directions and we are exploring different avenues at the moment. Derek really is someone who has the X factor.”
- Anne Sheward, principal of Italia Conti Academy
Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
The Biography of a Song and Dance Man continues – Dance and Music