Hayley Erbert is ‘doing really well’ after DWTS return
Season 33 of Dancing with the stars gave fans an emotional “Night of Dedication” episode. Each contestant dedicated their dance to a person or group that had an influence in their lives. Additionally, judge Derek Hough danced with his wife, the former DWTS cast member Hayley Erbert. While this may not seem like a big deal, Hailey suffered a life-threatening medical emergency last December. She underwent emergency brain surgery due to a brain hemorrhage. Her full recovery and ability to dance again was a miracle.
Hayley Erbert said it’s “so special to be back” on DWTS
Hayley and Derek’s passionate dance didn’t leave a dry eye in the hall. I’m sure many fans, myself included, cried too. Their performance was amazing and magical.
“I’m feeling really good, especially after tonight. I’m on cloud nine right now,” Hailey told Page Six. “It’s been a beautiful experience to be back on the dance floor.”
Then her husband shared his thoughts. “There’s a lot to be grateful for, a lot to be thankful for,” Derek said. “To be here in this room, after a difficult and victorious year…it’s amazing. Looking through that [hospital] Shots, at that moment, we never thought in a million years that we would be here.
While the couple was considering several different songs, they chose Benson Boone’s song “Pretty Things” for their performance. “There’s always a lot to choose from when choosing the perfect song. But I remember he sent me [that] One, “The So You Think You Can Dance alum said.” “I listened to it in the car by myself and I immediately started crying. I was like, ‘This is it. This is the one.’
For Derek, the words captured his emotions during Hayley’s medical emergency. “That same song, the original version, I listened to the melody a lot. But then when I heard the stripped-down version, I was like, ‘Oh, wait, I’m actually hearing the words.'” “The idea of ’Please Don’t Go’ was what I felt – “What I felt at that moment.”
As for Hailey, she was still feeling emotional backstage after their dance. “I was a mess all the time, just bawling my eyes out, but only because it’s so special to be back. There was a time when I never knew if I’d ever be able to dance again,” she said.
“So to be back here, doing what I love, with the person I love, surrounded by so many people who have supported us throughout this entire journey, has been really special,” Hayley continued.
Derek shared that fans can look forward to learning more about Hailey’s journey. The duo had been working on a documentary with an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker who is a “good friend” of Derek. As of now, there is no release date for the documentary yet. I’m glad Hayley is sharing her inspiring story with all of us.
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
TELL US – Were you moved by Hayley and Derek’s dance? Will you watch their documentary?
