Derek Hough Honored at the Emmy Choreographers Panel
Normally I don’t respond to petty complaints from fans when their favorite (who, ironically in this instance, is also MY favorite) isn’t getting the coverage on this site they think their favorite deserves. Come on, people. I also normally wouldn’t go backwards in time to pick something up that I neglected to cross post the first time around (I think – not even sure). But in this instance, I saw a tweet this morning that made me decide that I needed to go back to this topic. As a Derek fan, this actually brought a little tear to my eye. 🙂
Back on November 1st, the Emmys had a program called “The Choreographers – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”. They had invited Derek but, prior to getting injured, he had a conflict. Once he got injured they added him back to the panel, which also included Nappytabs, Dancer/Fred Astaire’s Partner Barrie Chase, Robyn Astair, Marguerite Derricks, Keith Young, and Fred Tallakesen. Paula Abdul and Kenny Ortega were the hosts. Very nice words about Derek from Paula and Kenny (who told Derek that he would push his way to the front of the line to work with Derek on a Major Motion Picture). I’ve put just the Derek portion below, but if you want to watch the whole thing, which includes several clips of little seen Fred Astair dances – I never knew he had a TV show! – you can find it at the Emmy’s web page. It’s about an hour and a half long, but it’s pretty interesting.
That’s awesome. Brings a tear to my eyes too!! <3
YEEEEESSSSS! I had a lump in my throat through the whole thing. Not only that he was invited and who was on the panel…but Gene Kellys widow, Pat and Fred Astaire’s widow, Robyn and so many other icons, directors, etc. in the audience. Not to mention Fred’s dancing partner. I – had – CHILLS. I think all of us Derek Hough fans who have been trying to explain his genius to anyone who’ll listen, just took a deep breath and said….FINALLY !!!
Thanks Vogue for bringing this here. I have watched this clip a few times and am so proud of Derek for his humility and how he speaks of “dancing”.
This is such an hnour for Derek (well deserved I might add).
The email from Patricia Kelly is beautiful and something Derek will be proud of.
Houghness at its best.
Hey!! Read the byline again, Sharon. 🙂
Sorry PH – thanks
Thanks, PH. This is marvelous. I wasn’t a strong fan of “baby” Derek, but as I watched him grow and mature on the show over the seasons, he won me over heart and soul.
What Cidra said!
Me too Cidra. I’m not invested in his partnership with Shawn this season, but he is imo in a league of his own. Sounds like he’s ready to tackle Broadway. I know he’ll excel. Doesn’t hurt to have a heavy hitter like Ortega in his corner either.
Wow, loved reading that tweet from Patricia Kelly! I hope that one day Derek Hough is synonymous with the names ‘Gene Kelly’ and ‘Fred Astaire’…. He definitely has the talent to do so, but he just needs those right opportunities to help him along. I am so glad that Derek was able to attend and speak at this event, even though it was his injury that allowed him to do so. This video is such a gem for DH fans and I hope for him, as well!
Yup, right opportunities. Loved all they said particularly Kenny saying the talent is right here!
So glad you posted this here!!
As a huge fan of Derek’s I was so proud and elated when I watched this. It was such a pleasant surprise! So awesome to see him receive such amazing accolades and praise from the great Kenny Ortega, Paula Abdul & Nappytabs! This truly warmed my heart & brought a tear to my eyes. It was so great to see him recognized and celebrated on a platform of this caliber for his amazing talents in choreography and other achievements. Loved reading the tweet from Gene Kelly’s wife. Derek was so humbled at this event which made him even more deserving of the recognition. He is the real deal! Our modern day Gene Kelly & Fred Astaire!
I do believe we’ll be seeing Derek work with Kenny Ortega in the near future. Looking forward to the release of his movie Cobu!
Thanks.
Why isn’t Ryan or someone giving Derek a big role in top movie dancing etc? He wants career in movies like sister Julianne.Or will he win DWTS 15 and then make big announcement when he retires form DWTS? Curious
No more worthy person to receive these accolades than Derek . And for Gene Kelly ‘s widow to tweet that Gene would have been proud of him…..Wow! I’m so happy for Derek that he is getting this well-deserved attention from luminaries in the dance field.