Dancing's Derek Hough: I Don't Know If I'll Return Next Season

Hey everyone!
Thanks for your votes and messages!
We may not have won the Mirrorball, but we had a great run. I'm so proud of Marilu. I thought she did a great job Monday. We had a great week. It was very positive and it was really fun. And it was great having Mark there. I didn't realize how much I've missed him until he was there. I've never done a season without him, so it was great to have him back. If we were going to go out, that was a good week to go out on.

I don't want to dwell on the rehearsal package again after last week. It is what it is. I would hope that the audience and longtime fans know and understand by now that in a short package, it's a very faint reflection of the reality of the week. Saying that though, given my schedule this season, the only thing that I think was a bummer was that we weren't able to do anything out of studio or an environment that wasn't a dance studio. When you do that, you're able to see another side to people, where it's not just you rehearsing and working. I think that in contrast to other packages, which was everyone traveling and doing things and having fun, it's kind of a bummer. Whenever Marilu and I saw each other, the only time we had was to get the routines down and work as hard and as fast as we can. I think we were both prepared for a possible elimination. After being part of the show for so long, you get a sense of what's going to happen based on a bunch of things. I think we were both expecting it, but also we're very proud. Week 9 is nothing to turn your nose up at. She did incredibly well.

Every season teaches you something different. I've been reflecting a lot on the past 10 years, kind of looking back on all the things that have happened, all the beautiful things, all the wonderful things, all the memories and wonderful moments and all the learning experiences from each of my partners. I get to add this one to my treasure chest of moments. I don't go back and watch videos of myself, but I came across a site that was posting pieces from years ago. It was nice to reflect on those memories and to see how much I've been part of this show for long and all the extraordinary moments.

I don't know if I'll be back next season. It's too early to say. I have a few projects on my plate, but you never know what's going to happen. I didn't think I was going to come back to the show a couple times now and ended up coming back. That show will always be my family.
Right now, I'm working on Hairspray. Julianne and I are also hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas specials for ABC. We were rehearsing until like 11 p.m. last night for it. It's going to be fun. I love Disney and ABC, so I'm stoked to be doing this. The Thanksgiving one airs Thanksgiving at 8/7c and the Christmas ones airs Christmas at 8/7c.

If you're in L.A. this weekend, I will have two photography pieces on display at The Salon on Saturday. I'm very excited -- it's the first time I've ever had anything displayed. They're signed and will be for sale. Photography's been a hobby and passion of mine for several years, so I'm humbled to displayed alongside other great, inspiring artists.

There's no update on Singin' in the Rain yet. As of now, it's still on hold. Hopefully there'll be some news in the new year! But I need to get my butt to New York to see Mark in Jersey Boys soon!
Thanks again for all your support, not just this season, but always. It truly means the world to me. I glance at some message boards and I see certain things. I love my fans dearly and I know I have my detractors too. I just want to say to everyone, please respond with love. If anybody feels the need to stick up for me, I really appreciate it, but don't fight negativity with negativity.

I know there has been a lot change happening in the world and in people's lives. That's the case for me as well. I feel like we need to be kind to one another. We need to be there for each other, not judge one another, not point blame and to not be divided. We need to try to come together and try to find common ground with each other when you disagree on things. Even on the show, you're being judged, and the second you judge somebody, you separate yourself from them. Instead of judging each other, let's come together as a people. I'm not saying this as a political statement -- just as a request to treat each other with kindness every day. Let's look for the good, do good and be good.

Thanks for reading!
Derek