Meeting Derek - The Dream Come True
The experience of meeting Derek was surreal and unfolded in two memorable instances. The first time, during his show, I not only had the opportunity to watch him perform live, but I also got to record a TikTok video with him. We did the viral "Coincidence" routine, a moment that left me breathless, more-so because I got to lift Derek Hough - a moment any dancer would covet. The second instance was after a dance competition, My students joined me at the show. One of them joined me for the backstage experience. To our delight, she had the opportunity to dance a Hustle with Derek, while I was thrilled to perform a side-by-side jive routine with him. Having a one-on-one conversation with Derek was surreal, and his down-to-earth demeanor made the encounter even more special. The cherry on top, however, was the Q&A session, where I could delve deeper into his dance philosophy and career journey.
Staying In Peak Performance - Derek’s Wisdom:
One of the pressing questions I had for Derek was how he maintained his physical peak performance. His answer was simple but profound: personal ritual, energy management, and proper nutrition. Derek stressed the importance of having routines that prepare your body and mind for rigorous activity, like a warm-up ritual or a regular exercise routine. Checking your energy levels and aligning them with your activities is crucial, he said. Lastly, he emphasized how consistent, nutritious eating habits fuel performance, highlighting the significance of treating your body as your most important instrument.
Choreographing With Energy - Derek's Approach:
When asked about choreography and overcoming mental blocks, Derek offered insightful advice. He emphasized that it's unproductive to develop choreography when you're in a low-energy or heightened emotional state. The story we wish to tell through our movement should align with our energy at the moment. Sometimes, inspiration could be as simple as designing the dance around a captivating costume or a unique prop, reminding us that creativity often lies in unexpected places.
The Most Profound Advice - Derek’s Life Lesson:
The most profound advice Derek shared came from his own mentors. He talked about the need to comprehend the energy we put out into the world. As dancers, we connect with people's emotions through our movement. Hence, we must be conscientious about the energy we embody and the influence we wield. Derek also shared a personal anecdote about competing in the U.K., where he recognized he wasn't the best dancer, but he had the audacity to show up and compete anyway. This lesson of resilience and self-belief has stayed with me.
Overcoming Adversity
My dance journey hasn't always been a smooth waltz across the ballroom. There were moments when I faced harsh criticism, moments that left me doubting my abilities. Particularly painful were instances when these doubts were sown by individuals I once considered mentors, people I looked up to in the dance world. I was told things like "you can't even dance" or "you will amount to nothing." It's a jarring experience to hear such negativity from those you respect and seek guidance from. The echoes of their words lingered, their sting piercing deeper because of the admiration I had for these individuals. The hurt was intense, but I realized that I had to move past these moments of self-doubt. It wasn't easy, but I had to remind myself that every dancer has a unique journey, and this was part of mine. I chose to continue dancing, not for the approval of others, but for the love of dance itself. It's in those moments of despair that Derek's wisdom resonated with me the most. "Be the person who sticks it out till the end," he said. So, here I am, sticking it out, for the love of dance.
Conclusion:
Meeting Derek Hough was not just a fan moment for me; it was a life-changing experience. Unlike my previous encounters with idols, which left me disheartened, Derek’s authenticity and encouragement have further ignited my passion for dance. They say, "don't meet your heroes," but I'm incredibly grateful I met mine, Derek Hough, who has given me more than I could have ever anticipated.
I’d love to hear your stories! Have you ever met your idols or have their wisdom influenced you? How have you persevered in the face of adversity? Please share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Let's inspire each other to keep dancing through life's challenges, one step at a time.