Hayley Erbert has built a successful career as a professional dancer, earning recognition for her performances on television, live tours, and alongside some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. While many first discovered her on So You Think You Can Dance, her work with Dancing with the Stars and her partnership with Derek Hough brought her even greater public attention.
In recent years, Hayley Erbert has also inspired many people through her remarkable recovery from a life-threatening brain injury. Her story combines professional achievement, personal resilience, and a continued passion for dance. This article explores her early life, career milestones, marriage, health journey, and the latest updates on her life.
Who Is Hayley Erbert? A Short Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hayley Erbert Hough |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1994 |
| Age | 31 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Topeka, Kansas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Dancer, Television Personality |
| Years Active | 2013–Present |
| Education | Washburn Rural High School |
| Famous For | So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, live dance tours |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Derek Hough |
| Children | One daughter |
| Net Worth | Estimated in the low millions (public estimates vary) |
| Source of Income | Dancing, television, live tours, endorsements |
| Social Media | Instagram: @hayley.erbert |
Hayley Erbert’s Early Life and Dance Background
Growing Up in Kansas
Hayley Erbert was born in Topeka, Kansas, where she developed an interest in performing arts from an early age. She began dancing when she was just three years old and also trained as a gymnast during childhood. Those early years helped build the athletic ability and discipline that would later define her professional career.
Her hometown remained an important part of her identity even after she moved to California to pursue larger opportunities. Friends, teachers, and local supporters followed her progress as she transitioned from regional competitions to national television.
Competitive Dance Experience
Before becoming a television personality, Hayley trained extensively in multiple dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, ballroom, lyrical, and hip-hop. She also competed in beauty pageants, finishing as runner-up in the Miss Kansas Teen USA competition before focusing entirely on dance.
This combination of technical skill and stage presence made her a strong performer capable of adapting to a wide range of choreographic styles.
Hayley Erbert’s Professional Dance Career
Breakthrough on So You Think You Can Dance
Hayley’s national breakthrough came in 2013 when she competed on Season 10 of So You Think You Can Dance. Her versatility, expressive performances, and technical precision helped her reach the Top 6 finalists, introducing her talent to a nationwide audience.
Although she did not win the competition, the show became the launchpad for her professional career. Industry professionals quickly recognized her potential, leading to touring opportunities and television work.
Joining Dancing with the Stars
One of the biggest milestones in Hayley’s career was joining the troupe on Dancing with the Stars. Unlike celebrity contestants, troupe dancers play an essential role in professional performances, opening numbers, and featured routines throughout the season.
Her polished technique, adaptability, and chemistry with fellow dancers made her a valued member of the production. She also performed on major television specials and live entertainment events during this period.
Touring With Derek Hough
Hayley later became part of Derek Hough’s live dance productions, including the highly acclaimed Symphony of Dance tour. Performing live required a different level of endurance compared to television, combining demanding choreography with continuous travel.
The tours showcased Hayley’s ability to perform across multiple dance genres while strengthening both her professional and personal relationship with Hough.
Marriage to Derek Hough
Their Relationship
Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough began dating in 2015 after working together professionally. Over the following years, they became one of the dance world’s best-known couples, frequently collaborating on performances and public appearances.
Their relationship was built around a shared passion for dance, creativity, and performance, making them frequent partners both on and off the stage.
Wedding and Family Life
The couple became engaged in 2022 and married on August 26, 2023, in California. Only a few months after their wedding, they faced an unexpected medical emergency that dramatically changed their lives.
In late 2025, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, beginning a new chapter as parents after an emotionally challenging period marked by Hayley’s recovery.
Hayley Erbert’s Medical Emergency and Recovery
The 2023 Brain Surgery
In December 2023, while performing during the Symphony of Dance tour in Washington, D.C., Hayley became disoriented after a performance. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed a cranial hematoma caused by a burst blood vessel.
Emergency surgeons performed a craniectomy to relieve pressure on her brain. Later, she underwent another procedure to replace the removed portion of her skull. The incident became national news and prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow performers.
Returning to Dance
Following months of rehabilitation, Hayley gradually regained her strength through careful medical supervision and physical recovery.
In April 2024, she returned to the Symphony of Dance tour after receiving medical clearance. Her comeback was widely celebrated, with audiences giving standing ovations during her first performances back on stage.
Recent Health Updates
Hayley has continued to share updates about her recovery, explaining that she feels healthy and strong while embracing motherhood. She has spoken openly about how the experience changed her outlook on life, encouraging others to appreciate resilience and focus on what truly matters.
Hayley Erbert’s Career Beyond Television
Although television introduced Hayley to mainstream audiences, much of her professional success comes from live performance.
She has appeared in national dance tours, entertainment specials, music performances, and collaborative productions with leading choreographers. Her ability to transition between contemporary dance, ballroom routines, commercial choreography, and live theatrical productions has helped sustain a diverse career.
Beyond performing, Hayley has become an inspirational figure through her openness about recovery, rehabilitation, and returning to the profession she loves.
Hayley Erbert’s Influence and Public Image
Hayley’s public image extends beyond dance technique. Many followers admire her for her determination during recovery and her willingness to share both joyful and difficult moments.
Social media has allowed fans to follow her career milestones, marriage, recovery journey, and family life. Rather than focusing solely on professional achievements, her online presence often highlights gratitude, resilience, fitness, and personal growth.
Her experience has also increased awareness about serious neurological emergencies and the importance of immediate medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Hayley Erbert?
A: Hayley Erbert is an American professional dancer and television personality best known for competing on So You Think You Can Dance, performing with Dancing with the Stars, and touring with Derek Hough. She is also recognized for her inspiring recovery after emergency brain surgery.
Q: Is Hayley Erbert married?
A: Yes. Hayley Erbert married professional dancer and Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough in August 2023 after several years of dating.
Q: What happened to Hayley Erbert’s health?
A: In December 2023, Hayley suffered a cranial hematoma caused by a burst blood vessel while on tour. She underwent emergency brain surgery followed by a second reconstructive procedure and later made a successful return to dancing.
Q: Does Hayley Erbert have children?
A: Yes. Hayley and Derek Hough welcomed their first daughter in late 2025, marking an important milestone following her recovery.
Q: What is Hayley Erbert famous for?
A: She is best known for her appearances on So You Think You Can Dance, her work as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, national dance tours, and her inspirational recovery following a life-threatening medical emergency.
Conclusion
Hayley Erbert’s journey reflects far more than professional success. From her early dance training in Kansas to national television, major live tours, and a thriving career in entertainment, she has consistently demonstrated dedication to her craft. Her recovery after emergency brain surgery revealed another side of her character, highlighting resilience, determination, and optimism in the face of extraordinary challenges.
Today, Hayley continues balancing family life, motherhood, and her passion for dance while inspiring audiences with both her performances and personal story. As her career evolves, she remains one of the most respected professional dancers of her generation, admired for her talent, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the art of dance.
Read About: kayte walsh