**Hayley Erbert Hough’s Inspiring Journey After Life-Threatening Brain Surgery**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Hayley-Erbert-Hough-The-Symphony-Of-Dance-Tribeca-Festival-060926-0afd00f176fc4bd8b6268f5beb5796b5.jpg)
In a heartwarming tale of resilience, professional dancer Hayley Erbert Hough has opened up about her life-altering experience following a serious brain bleed that necessitated emergency surgery. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Erbert Hough, 31, discussed how her mindset shifted after a doctor’s advice during her recovery, fundamentally changing her outlook on life and challenges.
The dancer, renowned for her performances alongside husband Derek Hough, faced a life-threatening situation in December 2023 when she was rushed to the hospital to undergo a craniectomy. The surgery involved removing a substantial portion of her skull—specifically 40%—to alleviate a hematoma caused by a ruptured blood vessel in her brain. This harrowing event occurred while Hayley was performing on stage during their national tour, plunging her into a state of uncertainty and fear.
At the premiere of ‘Symphony of Dance’ during the 2026 Tribeca Festival, Hayley reflected on her road to recovery and how she adapted her mindset during her hospital stay. “I could have dwelled on the ‘why me’ of it all,” she explained. “But I chose to focus on what I could do to progress. What could I do to get better? How can I return to the stage?” Her determination not only focused on her recovery but also on her loved ones, as she sought to improve for them.
A pivotal moment in her journey stemmed from advice given by one of her doctors, who told her, “There will be many things throughout this journey that you cannot control, so focus on the things you can.” This resonated deeply with Hayley, who embraced the idea of controlling her mindset. She committed to envisioning her eventual return to the stage, allowing her imagination to fuel her recovery efforts.
Conversely, Derek candidly admitted that he struggled with nerves throughout this trying time. “I wish she would have told me that because I was a nervous wreck,” he remarked, noting the anxiety he experienced leading up to their first dance rehearsal after her surgery. During that rehearsal, he found himself grappling with anxiety, having temporarily forgotten their routines, while Hayley appeared to glide effortlessly across the floor.
In a moment of triumph for both, Derek was taken aback when Hayley assured him she had been rehearsing mentally during her recovery. “She was like, ‘It’s okay, honey. I got this.’ I looked at her and thought, ‘You’ve been practicing, haven’t you?’ She nodded, explaining that while laying in the hospital, she had been envisioning reuniting with the choreography,” he shared with a sense of admiration.
Derek, who had been wrestling with feelings of resentment towards dancing during the turmoil, found that all changed the moment they danced together again. “The flow and connection that comes with dancing made my heart reopen to it in a grander way than ever before,” he expressed, highlighting how special the experience was for both of them.
Hayley’s journey not only illustrates her personal bravery but also the strength of their partnership. As Derek noted, being able to dance together following her recovery has been a deeply meaningful experience. “It’s so special when you can share that with someone you love,” he remarked, underlining the deep emotional bond they share.
Their story reflects the power of positivity and the importance of focusing on what one can control in life’s most challenging moments. Hayley Erbert Hough’s approach serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that setbacks can also lead to new perspectives and opportunities.
As they continue to perform and inspire audiences, both Hayley and Derek embody the essence of resilience and love, reminding us all that challenges can ultimately pave the way for remarkable comebacks. The premiere of ‘Symphony of Dance’ not only showcased their artistic talents, but also highlighted the strength found within their personal journey together. As the couple forges ahead, their story will undoubtedly resonate with many who encounter fear and adversity.