Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert have returned to the dance studio, only three months after a medical emergency changed their lives permanently.
On March 20, Hough and Erbert both posted a photo of themselves standing in the studio with their backs to the camera.
“Starting over together. Beginning to create again,” Hough wrote in the joint post. This presumably marks the first time that Erbert has danced since undergoing a craniectomy after an intercranial hematoma was found on her brain.
Erbert played a significant role in the Symphony of Dance Tour but it’s uncertain how many dances she will take part in when she returns to the tour with her husband. The rest of the tour will start on April 16 and go through mid-May.
Here’s what you need to know:
Reactions to the Post Came Pouring In
Shortly after Hough and Erbert posted the emotional message on Instagram, numerous comments poured in.
“You are so loved and respected by so many cannot wait to see anything you do! However its enough to know you are enjoying your big beautiful life together! Hugs,” one person wrote.
“May you both be surrounded by love and light and God’s blessings ~always!!!” someone else added.
“As a physical therapist, watching Hayley’s recovery and return to your lifestyle is so inspiring to watch. I love the support you give her and that you’re sharing it with others that may hope to have the same positive story,” a third comment read.
“You’ve got this! Can’t wait to see the beautiful art you continue to do together,” a fourth Instagram user said.
Some of Hough’s “Dancing With the Stars” family also showed love and support on the post. Messages popped up from Emma Slater, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and Peta Murgatroyd. Hough’s former DWTS partner Amy Purdy also left three heart emoji in the comments section of the post.
Derek Hough Said There Was a ‘Possibility’ His Wife Would Join Him on Tour
After Erbert’s health emergency, Hough had to cancel the Symphony of Dance Tour indefinitely. However, a few months later, Erbert was doing well enough that he felt he could resume the performances.
In February 2024, Hough announced that he’d be getting back out there. In an interview with E! News, Hough said that he felt that Erbert would join him on tour — and that she’d possibly dance.
“There’s a possibility, there really is,” Hough told the outlet. “And we actually met dancing on stage on tour. Our first kiss was on stage on tour. We were touring last year for the first time as a married couple and now this, going back out, there’s a completely different meaning and tension,” he explained.
“I almost need to rename the tour to the Miracle Tour or something because if there’s a moment where she’s with us and joining us on stage, it’s going to be unbelievably special. I don’t know even know how I’m going to through it. I’m an emotional guy,” he added.
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