Hayley Erbert is marking two hard-won milestones this spring: the successful conclusion of her national tour with husband Derek Hough and her extraordinary comeback from emergency brain surgery that threatened to end her dancing career.
The professional dancer and choreographer, who has built her career on Dancing with the Stars and live stage productions, wrapped the couple's "A Symphony of Dance" tour in late 2024—a triumph made all the more meaningful by the medical crisis she endured just months earlier.
From Emergency Surgery to the Stage
In December 2023, Erbert underwent an emergency craniectomy after a burst blood vessel caused a cranial hematoma during a performance in Washington, D.C. The procedure, which removed part of her skull to relieve pressure on her brain, was followed by a second surgery to receive a skull implant. What followed was an arduous rehabilitation process that tested both her physical limits and her mental fortitude.
The tour's finish line, then, was never guaranteed.
"I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to share my passion with so many amazing people," Erbert wrote in an Instagram post following the tour's conclusion, reflecting on a return to the stage that once seemed uncertain.
A Public Recovery
Erbert has been unusually open about her rehabilitation journey, offering followers an unvarnished look at the work required to rebuild her body and mind. In a January interview with Good Morning America, she described the early days of recovery as "physically grueling and mentally transformative."
"It was tough to be out of commission for so long, but it was also a great opportunity for me to focus on my personal growth and development," she told the outlet.
Fans have responded in force to her transparency. A January Instagram post documenting her first steps after surgery drew thousands of comments, with many followers sharing their own recovery stories. Erbert has since used her platform to emphasize rest and mental health, posting regularly about therapy, patience, and what she calls "learning to celebrate the small wins."
What's Next
Already, Erbert is looking ahead. She recently teased an upcoming dance video project on social media, telling followers: "I'm really excited to share this new project with my fans. It's been a lot of hard work, but I think it's going to be worth it in the end."
Details about the video—including collaborators, style, and release platform—have not yet been announced.
For now, Erbert's story stands as a rare example of a public figure turning a life-threatening health crisis into an open conversation about resilience, partnership, and the slow, unglamorous work of healing.
