Award-winning dancer and choreographer Derek Hough is set to bring his national tour, "Symphony of Dance — Encore," to his home state, with two performances scheduled at the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theatre in downtown Salt Lake City . The shows, slated for June 26 and 27, mark a significant homecoming for the Utah native and "Dancing with the Stars" veteran.

For Hough, performing at the Eccles Theatre carries profound personal significance. The venue represents not just a stage, but a milestone in a journey that began in Utah and spanned continents. Hough reflected on the deep connection he feels returning to a city where his dance career first took root .

"It's always a pinch-me moment, something I never, ever take for granted," Hough said of performing in Salt Lake City .

The tour features a cast that Hough considers among the finest he has ever worked with. In a nod to his Utah roots, several dancers in the production hail from the state, adding a layer of hometown pride to the performances . He expressed excitement about these dancers experiencing the Eccles Theatre stage, calling their homecoming shows a special opportunity.

Audiences can expect a diverse showcase of dance styles, ranging from Latin and ballroom to jazz, contemporary, and rock and roll . However, "Symphony of Dance — Encore" offers more than technical precision; it weaves a deeply personal narrative.

Hough revealed that the production incorporates significant life events, including the emotional journey surrounding his wife, Hayley, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a brain bleed that required months of recovery . The show also touches on the couple's experience with miscarriage and the subsequent birth of their daughter, Everley. Hough described these segments as emotionally vulnerable moments designed to forge a powerful connection with the audience.

In addition to the personal storytelling, Hough has choreographed a new number paying tribute to his time on "Dancing with the Stars." The segment includes an interactive element where a guest from the audience is invited on stage to serve as a guest judge, offering a glimpse into the world of the hit television show.

The tour arrives as dance continues to enjoy widespread popularity in mainstream entertainment. Hough acknowledged the shift in perception since his youth, noting that dance is now recognized for its athleticism and storytelling power as much as its artistic merit. "It's been a pleasure, and it's been amazing," he said of the journey.

For the Emmy Award-winning performer, this national tour is a celebration of family, artistic passion, and gratitude. "Symphony of Dance — Encore" promises an evening of laughter, tears, and world-class choreography as Hough returns to the stage where his remarkable career began.