Isha Sharma
Hayley Erbert, a professional dancer, is back in the ballroom just a year after undergoing emergency brain surgery. Despite her confidence, her husband Derek Hough remains cautious about her health. The couple is preparing for their first-ever Dance for the Holidays tour, which kicks off on November 1, 2024, in Atlantic City. Erbert, 30, is determined to prioritise her recovery while still pursuing her passion for dance.
Medical Team Support During Recovery
Erbert has remained in tune with her body throughout the recovery process, emphasising the importance of listening to physical cues.
She revealed that she still has a medical team monitoring her health, ensuring she stays safe as she returns to intense dance routines.
“Being a dancer, I feel like I’m really in tune with my body,” she shared, adding that she is mindful of her movements during rehearsals.
Derek Hough, 39, admitted he’s more nervous than his wife when it comes to complicated dance moves. “She’s like, ‘Babe, I can do it. I’m fine,’” Hough said, though her confidence eases his concerns.
Emotional Journey of Recovery and Performance
Erbert’s health scare began in December 2023, when she suffered a severe brain bleed during a performance.
She underwent two surgeries, including a craniectomy, to relieve pressure on her brain.
After months of recovery, she made an emotional return to the stage in April 2024.
Now, as the couple prepares to revisit Washington, D.C., where her medical emergency occurred, they are filled with emotion.
Erbert described the upcoming tour stop as “flooded with emotions,” but they promise the audience will still enjoy an upbeat and festive show.
Hough reflected on how this experience has reshaped their outlook on life, saying they no longer take moments for granted and are determined to seize every opportunity.
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