As the Symphony of Dance tour draws to a close, “Dancing With the Stars” judge Derek Hough is soaking up every memorable moment with fans.
Many tour attendees have had the chance to interact with Derek Hough and his ensemble of dancers in a more intimate, special setting. They’re not simply limiting their dance routines to the stage. Derek has been known to run into the crowd, delighting fans.
At a recent performance, the professional dancer granted one fan’s special wish.
Derek Hough Grants a Fan’s Wish During a Performance
Derek Hough wants everyone to feel included at the Symphony of Dance tour. He’s been well-known for interacting with fans during and after the show. During a recent performance, a wheelchair user asked Derek Hough to give her her very first dance and he happily obliged.
“May I have this dance ♥️🕺💃” the 41-year-old captioned the sweet Instagram video.
“Elizabeth was holding up a sign saying, ‘Give me my first dance,'” Derek wrote over the clip. In the footage, he takes Elizabeth’s hands and twirls her around the floor as other fans gleefully watch.
Fans went wild for the interaction on social media, delighted to see the professional dancer make space for everyone in his show. Julianne Hough simply left three heart emojis.
“Derek you’re always amazing but can we also give it up for her because her quick hands on the wheel for the one handed spins were 🤌🏼😍” a viewer shared in the comments.
“@derekhough As a person in a wheelchair myself. I love this so much that you made her feel so included. ❤” another fan sweetly added.
“@derekhough you are simply a kind and gentle soul… And you make everyone feel seen. Such a special moment for that sweet girl. I bet that dance made her whole year.🥹❤️🙏” another chimed in.
Another Fan Created Stunning Paintings of the Dancer’s Family
Derek Hough’s dance with Elizabeth isn’t the first time he’s promoted inclusivity while on tour. At another performance, artist Jillian Franko gifted him paintings she created specifically for his family.
“Wow, so beautiful ♥️” the professional dancer captioned another Instagram post documenting the interaction. “@jillianm_art art reminds me what’s possible when you focus on what you CAN do. Even with the challenges she faces she has created a method to not just overcome but to create beauty and share her gifts, talents and passion with the world. Thank you for this Gift, and for the Gift of your example ♥️”
Derek listens in awe as Jillian explains the inspiration behind each piece and how she also wanted to paint something for his daughter, Everley.
“Because of my limited range of motion, I can’t paint a big picture,” Jillian shares. “I wouldn’t be able to reach each end to end. So I actually use smaller panels and then I put them together to paint.”
Derek Hough returns as the head judge when “Dancing With the Stars” season 35 kicks off at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15. The full cast announcement will be on “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, September 2.
