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“Extreme highs and extreme lows.” This phrase encapsulates the challenging 16 months experienced by Derek Hough.
In December 2023, a shocking incident unfolded when Hough’s wife, Hayley Erbert, experienced a medical emergency that led to a craniectomy after she collapsed from a severe brain bleed during his Symphony of Dance tour. Just one month later, at the delayed 75th Creative Arts Emmy Awards, Hough achieved a remarkable feat by securing his fourth Emmy for Best Choreography, tying a record. He won for his routine to Michael Bublé‘s “Higher” from Season 32 of Dancing With the Stars, dedicating the win to Erbert in a heartfelt speech.
Reflecting on that turbulent month, Hough shared, “Exactly a month to the day, I was on the hospital floor, overwhelmed with emotion, fearing for my wife’s life.” His journey from that moment of despair to standing on the Emmy stage accepting an award showcased a powerful narrative of resilience and love. “I felt like I was in a different place,” he recounted, noting the surreal experience of the award acceptance amidst the personal upheaval.
Erbert’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Doctors had initially warned her about the possibility of never walking again after 40 percent of her skull was removed. However, her determination shone through, as she not only learned to walk again but did so at a pace that astonished her medical team. Hough stated, “The doctors were just stunned at her progress. Her will and resilience were unmatched.”
By April 2024, Erbert returned to the tour, and as Season 33 of Dancing approached in the fall, the couple documented their journey and prepared to perform together on the show. Their emotional routine during Dedication Night, which left the audience in tears, hinged upon selecting the right song. After culling through several options, Hough initially dismissed Benson Boone‘s “Beautiful Things” before realizing its deeper emotional resonance. “In that moment, the lyrics reflected perfectly what I felt in the hospital,” Hough stated.
What began as what Hough thought would be a one-time performance evolved into a viral sensation. Videos of Hough rehearsing with his long-time friend, three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas, garnered immense audience interest, leading to their participation in the season finale. They performed the Argentine tango, a dance rooted in 19th-century tradition, adding historical depth to their routine.
Hough expressed the importance of educating audiences about the cultural significance of dance. “Dancing With the Stars” has been instrumental in making dance accessible and engaging to a broader audience, and the pair’s performance hoped to contribute to that legacy. They aspired to pave the way for future all-male duos on the show, following the historic all-female partnership of JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson in Season 30.
Reflecting on their performance, Hough noted, “It’s not revolutionary, but it’s important to show it.” He was inspired by the positive reception from viewers who had initially been skeptical. “We wanted to leave the door open for more representation in the future,” he added.
Looking ahead, Hough is set to return as head judge in Season 34 this fall, with prospects of showcasing his dance skills once more. “The privilege of being part of Dancing With the Stars is the creative outlet it provides,” he explained, celebrating the opportunity to craft innovative routines.
Dancing With the Stars Season 34 is set to premiere in the fall on ABC.
Source
www.goldderby.com