Why Isn't Derek Hough on Season 12 of Dancing with the Stars?

Dancer Derek Hough has been part of the regular cast for eleven seasons of Dancing with the Stars, but he is taking a break from the show - skipping out on season 12. Why would he quit what has been an awfully sweet gig for him?

As it turns out, Derek Hough is skipping season 12 of Dancing with the Stars to act in a movie, called "Cobu 3D." The film is, of course, about dancing, but Hough will be doing some dramatic acting, too. Fans of Dancing will be pleased to learn that Hough plans to return for Season 13 of Dancing with the Stars. [Source: Crow, Sarah. Derek Hough Taking a Break From 'Dancing with the Stars', Popeater, 1/31/11. Downloaded from: http://www.popeater.com/2011/01/31/derek-hough-dwts-break/]

Of course, this "break" from Dancing with the Stars is the sort of break that could turn permanent. While Derek Hough has announced that he will be back for Season 13, there is no certainty about what he will be doing during Seasons 14, 15, and 16. If Cobu 3D is a huge hit, it is entirely possible that Hough will transition to acting, or to dancing in some other venue.

Fans of Dancing with the Stars know that Derek Hough is incredibly likeable and an important part of the show's supporting cast. But no one wants to spend their entire career as supporting cast. Whether this Cobu 3D stint works out for Hough or not, it is a clear indication that the actor is looking for something new - preferably something that highlights him as an individual performer, instead of forcing him to blend into the background.

There are limitless possibilities for Derek Hough. Here are a few options for him to pursue after Dancing with the Stars: (1) he could become a judge on Dancing with the Stars or on a rival show, (2) he could become a full-time actor and let dancing fall by the wayside, (3) or he could become a television personality in a non-dancing setting (I hear they have an opening on Regis & Kelly).

It's impossible to say what Dancing with the Stars' dancer Derek Hough will do, but he's going to do something; watch for a change in the years to come.

Sources

Crow, Sarah. Derek Hough Taking a Break From 'Dancing with the Stars', Popeater, 1/31/11. Downloaded from: http://www.popeater.com/2011/01/31/derek-hough-dwts-break/