Derek Hough Seeks Emmy Nods for Groundbreaking Dance Pieces
As voting begins, the DWTS pro unveils two stirring routines honoring roots and resilience
Image: Instagram
As Emmy voting season arrives, Dancing With The Stars professional dancer Derek Hough has signaled his hopes for Emmy recognition by sharing two routines that underscore his versatility and commitment to authentic storytelling through movement. In an Instagram announcement on September 27 (https://www.instagram.com/p/DK2cP3rvjmT/), Hough highlighted both an Argentine tango crafted with his brother Mark Ballas and a deeply personal dance created for his wife, Hayley Erbert.
Emmy Campaign Launch
By addressing Emmy voters directly, Hough is tapping into the show’s 20-year legacy. He posted on Instagram to spotlight two pieces he believes illustrate the evolution of prime-time dance. The routines reflect not only technical skill but also a push for diversity and emotional depth—an angle he hopes will resonate with those casting ballots this fall.
Authentic Argentine Tango
The first routine celebrates the authentic roots of the Argentine tango, created and performed alongside his brother, Mark Ballas. Hough wrote that this dance “highlighted the connection between two men” and aimed to open doors for more varied representations on television. On the floor, the pair traded dramatic leg extensions and intimate embraces, embodying the genre’s traditional elegance while infusing it with a fresh, male partnership perspective.
A Dance Of Resilience
The second piece is a tribute to Hayley Erbert’s journey of recovery following a serious ankle injury suffered early in the season. Hough choreographed a routine that maps her progress from supported steps to confident spins. In his caption, he described the performance as “incredibly profound and meaningful,” adding that “seeing her return to the dance floor, sharing her heart and bravery, telling her story through movement, will forever be with us.”
Derek Hough is the most decorated pro on Dancing With The Stars, boasting four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography and six Mirrorball Trophies. Since joining DWTS in 2007, he has become a go-to figure for high-profile performances. His track record includes work on The Voice (UK), residencies in Las Vegas and multiple special events showcasing his choreographic range across genres.
In the Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DK2cP3rvjmT/), Hough tagged both @markballas and @hayley.erbert and shared three behind-the-scenes images. One captures him and Ballas mid-tango under warm red lighting. A second shows Erbert leaning on her husband’s shoulder as she takes tentative steps. The third image presents a group shot with the DWTS live band in the background, reminding viewers of the show’s live-to-tape format.
Emmy voting for reality competitions and dance specials opens in mid-October, with nominations announced in early July. Dancing With The Stars has earned accolades over two decades but has not won in the choreography category since 2014. By framing these pieces as emotional narratives, Hough taps into a broader trend of awards bodies rewarding authenticity and storytelling alongside technical prowess.
Hough concluded his note by expressing gratitude to viewers for two decades of support and gently urging Emmy voters to consider both routines—and Dancing With The Stars as a whole—for recognition this year. His dual focus on cultural heritage and personal triumph reflects an ongoing push within mainstream television for more inclusive and emotionally rich content.
Whether the Emmy ballots will echo Hough’s optimism remains to be seen, but the two routines mark a new chapter for prime-time dance storytelling. Fans and critics alike will watch November’s nominations with interest, eager to see if these heartfelt performances secure a spot on Emmy night.
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