Derek and Hayley Hough Break Down Their Emotional ‘DWTS’ Performance Upon Her Return to the Ballroom (EXCLUSIVE)

As the lights dimmed in the Dancing With the Stars ballroom on Tuesday, October 15, a hush fell over the audience. The familiar strains of song filled the air, but what unfolded on the ballroom floor that night was far from ordinary. Derek Hough, six-time mirrorball champion, stood poised with his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough, in a quiet moment before their first dance together on the show in months.

As viewers took in the soft stillness, many were reminded that the performance was Hayley’s return to the DWTS floor—her first since undergoing emergency brain surgery. Their contemporary piece was more than just a routine; it was a heartfelt tribute to resilience, healing and the love that helped them through the darkest of times. In an exclusive interview with FIRST for Women after their tear-evoking performance, Derek and Hayley opened up about the journey that brought them back to this moment.

“When I thought about what I wanted to do for our return to the ballroom, the first thing choreographically that I wanted to do was slow dance,” Derek shared with FIRST. “I didn’t want to jump right into a high-energy routine. I wanted to take a moment to pause, to breathe, to feel the music and just hold each other.” 

This thoughtful approach set the tone for a performance that blended gentle moments of stillness with intricate, expressive choreography, set to the stunning lyrics of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things.” “If you watch it back, you’ll see a lot of breaths,” he continued, describing how each movement was crafted to convey their emotions. “It’s about listening to the musicality but also finding the moments of stillness, where it’s just about the emotion.”

Hayley Erbert Hough’s life-changing medical emergency 

The tender connection between Derek and Hayley on the dance floor is a testament to the journey they’ve faced together—a journey that nearly took a tragic turn less than a year ago. While on tour shortly before the holiday season, Derek waited as Hayley was cued to join him onstage to perform when he was surprised by the stage manager instead. “She’s not coming on stage,” the theater professional revealed, prompting Derek to rush off the floor and into the wings. There, Hayley was having full body seizures, a sight that the mirrorball champ later reflected on during the October 15 show. “[She was] essentially dying,” Derek confessed. “It’s really hard to put into words … just pure fear.” 

Hayley was rushed to the hospital, still in her costume, where doctors quickly determined that she required emergency brain surgery. Her husband, by her side, was told that if she were to wake up, she would never be the same. 

“The doctors were like, ‘She's gone,’” Derek told FIRST with tears in his eyes. Yet, against all odds, Hayley’s strength shone through, and her recovery defied expectations. “I can’t believe we’re here together, dancing again. Tonight was the beginning of telling the rest of the story,” Derek added, his voice filled with emotion.

A dance of gratitude and strength

For Derek, this performance was about more than showcasing their skills on the dance floor—it was a celebration of Hayley’s resilience and the power of their connection. “You'll see the movement [of us] really listening to the musicality of it all, but also finding the moments of stillness where it's just about the emotion,” he explained, before adding, “Also, too, [the performance was about] highlighting that Hayley can dance and that she can still move, and that she has the full facility there, which is remarkable. So it was a balance of a routine that felt intricate, felt musical, but then also felt still and heartfelt and genuine.” 

Hayley’s determination throughout her recovery process was nothing short of inspiring, and she made a point of expressing her gratitude for her body both during her recovery and after the fact. 

“When we're on tour, we really truly take care of our bodies,” Hayley confided. “We are constantly taking supplements. We're eating extremely healthy, we're hydrating. We are taking care of ourselves so well, even our recovery processes, icing after every single show, physical therapy. And in that moment, I was at my peak athleticism. So I truly believe that me being there and my health was what got me through so much faster.” 

Derek’s admiration for his wife was evident as he reflected on the journey they’ve shared, revealing that Hayley was expressing inspiring levels of gratitude even at the darkest of moments. “She would say that in the hospital room, with 40 percent of her skull gone, ‘I'm so thankful that my body is fighting for me.’”

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Hough’s new chapter together

As their dance came to a close and they stood hand in hand under the ballroom lights, Derek and Hayley shared a quiet smile—a moment of triumph after months of uncertainty. Their performance was a testament to the power of love, the strength of the human spirit and the healing force of movement. For Hayley, it was a chance to embrace life’s second chances and to honor the body that had fought so hard for her recovery. 

For the couple, this dance is only the beginning of a new chapter. “Tonight was the beginning of telling the rest of the story,” Derek shared. “There's so much more still to tell of this journey and of what she's overcome. Her strength and her presence and her, oh my gosh, her stubbornness of, ‘I'm [recovering] in the best possible way,’ has been so inspiring to be around. And for people to see a glimpse of that tonight … I'm so happy and I just can't believe that she's here and we're here together doing this.” 

With every step they take from here, Derek and Hayley will continue to dance not just for themselves, but for everyone who has faced challenges and found the strength to rise again. Watch the full performance below: 

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