Millions Watched Me Dance — No One Saw My Trauma I Derek Hough

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

What if one of the greatest choreographers and dancers of our time found mastery not in movement… but in stillness?

This week on Finding Mastery, we’re joined by Derek Hough—four-time Emmy Award winner, six-time Dancing with the Stars champion, and one of the most respected dancers and choreographers in the world.

This conversation isn’t just about dance. It’s about self-discovery, emotional resilience, and the quiet power of going inward.

Derek opens up about the intense challenges he faced growing up—from early trauma and feeling like an outsider to finding belonging in rhythm and movement. He shares the surprising moment that forced him to stop dancing—and what he found in the stillness that followed.

This episode explores:

• Why comfort, not control, was the key to Derek’s healing
• How early trauma shaped his drive for perfection—and how he redefined success
• What it takes to lead others through fear and unlock performance through empathy
• The shift from external validation to internal alignment
• The daily practices that help Derek stay grounded in a high-pressure world

Whether you’re an artist, a coach, or someone navigating your own path to self-mastery—this one’s for you.

Links & Resources

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors!

Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine: findingmastery.com/morningmindset!

Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.