Dancing With The Stars Julianne Hough Interviewed On Her “Next Leap” And More

Julianne talks about her new role on “Grease Live” with Beauty For A Purpose. She was so nervous about taking on such an iconic role, but, now she’s grateful and excited since she gets to act and sing. Here is more…

You’ve made some brave decisions in your career—from moving abroad at age 10 to further your dance training to returning to Dancing with the Stars as a judge with all eyes on you. What gives you the courage to leap into the unknown?

I love switching modes and jumping into new things. If asked to choose between acting, dancing or singing, I don’t think I could. So although a new project can be a little daunting at times, I actually feed off of that excitement and love that I’m able to do something different all the time.

Where’s your next leap taking you?

To the role of Sandy in Grease: Live, which airs on Fox on January 31st! It is such an iconic role, so at first I was nervous, but I’m honestly just so grateful and humbled to bring the character of Sandy back to life. I’m excited that I get to act, sing and dance all in one project.

Dancer, singer, actress, choreographer — how do you find fulfillment in each unique discipline?

As an actress, I get to live in someone else’s shoes. I feel very mentally stimulated and challenged when I’m studying for a new role — it’s therapeutic and brings a lot of compassion to my life getting to know and understand parts of a character that I don’t necessarily relate to. It’s a similar feeling when I’m dancing and choreographing, but I also enjoy the physical challenge. Dancing is one sport that is athletic and spiritually inspiring. I never feel more present in my life than when I’m on stage dancing.

To read the full interview, go to Beauty For A Purpose. Thanks to Lori for the heads up.

ETA: Julianne also wrote a healthy eating guide at Byrdie.com. Here’s a take from the link…

I have learned, from past experience, that restriction backfires. If you make something off-limits, you just obsess over it more. And then you binge, and feel really “naughty” and guilty. So I don’t ever say “no desserts,” or “no carbs.” I don’t cut out food groups.

It’s just good reverse psychology, because if you tell yourself you can have anything, you’re less inclined to want everything, the way you do when it’s “forbidden.” I have my pasta; I eat sour candies when I get a craving. I just try to focus on balance, fresh and natural ingredients, and getting those raw veggies and variety so that I stay healthy and happy!

ETA2: People Style Watch has done a special feature on Julianne and Grease Live today as well….

Hough is bringing her song and dance skills to the small screen in the live show (she plays Sandy), alongside Vanessa Hudgens, Keke Palmer, Carly Rae Jepsen and more stars, which will premiere on Jan. 31 on FOX.

“As an actress, I get to live in someone else’s shoes,” she says. “I feel very mentally stimulated and challenged when I’m studying for a new role — it’s therapeutic and brings a lot of compassion to my life getting to know and understand parts of a character that I don’t necessarily relate to.

Hough adds that she’s excited to draw from her years-long Dancing with the Stars experience, which she says, can be tiring, but is extremely rewarding in the long run.

“It’s a similar feeling when I’m dancing and choreographing, but I also enjoy the physical challenge,” she says. “Dancing is one sport that is athletic and spiritually inspiring. I never feel more present in my life than when I’m on stage dancing.”

Performing on live television sounds incredibly nerve-wracking, but Hough says she’s excited to step out of her comfort zone, and encourages others to do the same with this heartfelt advice:

“Believe in yourself! Any time I start doubting myself or looking to others for affirmation, I always say, ‘All I need is within me now.’ A strong and powerful woman is not afraid to be who she is or worry about what others think. When you’re 100 percent yourself, nothing is more beautiful or powerful.”

ETA3: Here is Julianne with Aaron Tveit on Access Hollywood….