Derek Hough, renowned dancer and choreographer, is set to bring his mesmerizing “Symphony of Dance” back to the D.C. area, performing at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. This return holds special significance for Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, following a challenging period marked by Hayley’s medical emergency in December.
A Memorable and Life-Changing Experience
In December, after a performance at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Hayley Erbert faced a medical crisis. She became disoriented and was rushed to MedStar Washington Hospital, where she underwent an emergency craniotomy to treat a cranial hematoma caused by a burst blood vessel. The experience, though harrowing, left an indelible mark on the couple.
“That show definitely became a moment in our lives that we’ll never forget,” Hough reflected. “We are so thankful for MedStar Washington Hospital and the city itself, the beauty of it and the people, the people who came up to us in the streets and the coffee shops just wishing their best for us and wishing Hayley her health. It was a crazy experience. … Dr. Jeffrey Mai (is a) great man. We’ll never forget this guy. He’s on our cellphone. We call him regularly — always checking in.”
A Grateful Return to D.C.
This Wednesday, Hough’s “Symphony of Dance” will grace the stage in Tysons, bringing with it a heartfelt gratitude towards the D.C. area. Hough expressed his desire to invite Dr. Mai, the doctor who performed Hayley’s surgeries, along with the nurses and staff, to the show as a gesture of thanks.
“Going back to that area is so special to us,” Hough said. “I really wanted our doctor at the hospital who performed both of Hayley’s surgeries to come see a show just to thank him and all of the nurses and the staff, but also just the city, the people — to come to a show so we could actually give our hearts to them as they did for us.”
The Spectacle of “Symphony of Dance”
Hough insists that “Symphony of Dance” is the most dazzling production he has ever taken on the road. The show is meticulously crafted, with attention to every detail from pacing and dynamics to choreography. Hough collaborates with top-tier choreographers and dancers whose athleticism and artistry bring the show to life.
“There’s a lot of care and a lot of thought into this show,” Hough said. “The pacing, the dynamics, the journey, the choreography. I have amazing choreographers. Collaborating with them — the dancers, their ability, their athleticism, their artistry — is just at a top tier. It’s really, really, really incredible and just the genres of live music from big band to old Hollywood to rock ‘n roll to Latin music and ballroom dancing; there’s so much variety.”
A Legacy of Dance
Born in Salt Lake City in 1985, Hough’s journey in dance began early. He and his sister Julianne Hough, who is also a professional dancer, moved to London to study with competitive ballroom dancers Corky and Shirley Ballas. Hough’s dedication led him to win the WDSF World Latin Championship in 2002. His illustrious career includes a record six wins on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and three Emmy Awards.
A New Chapter with Hayley
Hough married Hayley Erbert in August, just four months before her medical emergency. Despite the roller coaster of events, the couple holds a positive association with the D.C. area, viewing it as a place of healing and care.
“We just got married and went on tour when this all happened, it’s just wild, it’s been an absolute roller coaster,” Hough said. “You would think that we might have a negative association to that experience and to that place, but the contrary is that we have a very positive association to that area, because it was really a special place for healing and just care, so we’re excited to go back in a different way and to just give our love, man.”
As Derek Hough brings “Symphony of Dance” back to the D.C. area, the performance will undoubtedly be infused with heartfelt gratitude and an unforgettable connection to the community that supported them during a critical time.