Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Erbert have been lighting up the stage with their undeniable chemistry, but it’s their behind-the-scenes stories that are thrilling fans even more. The couple, who tied the knot in 2023, recently opened up about the little moments that make their professional and personal partnership so special.
One of the secrets Derek shared is their pre-show ritual. “Before every performance, we take a moment to connect,” he revealed. “We breathe together, say something we’re grateful for, and lock eyes. It grounds us.” Hayley added that this ritual helps calm the nerves and reminds them why they do what they do. “It’s not just about dancing, it’s about expressing something real between us.”
Fans were delighted to learn that many of their most passionate dance moments weren’t entirely choreographed. “Some of our best moves come from the spur of the moment,” Hayley admitted. “We trust each other so much that we can just feel where the dance is going.” Derek chimed in, “There’s magic in spontaneity. It keeps things authentic.”
Another behind-the-scenes secret is how they balance their intense work schedules with downtime. Derek, known for his high energy, is the planner, while Hayley is the calm counterpart. “He’ll have the whole week mapped out,” she laughed, “and I’ll remind him it’s okay to slow down.” Their opposite energies, they say, create harmony both on and off stage.
Even their rehearsals are filled with laughter and inside jokes. “We mess up all the time,” Derek confessed. “There are so many bloopers fans don’t see. We’ve fallen, tripped, even bumped heads mid-spin. But we laugh through it.” Hayley echoed that those moments make their connection even stronger.
Their love story continues to inspire fans, but it’s their candidness that makes them so relatable. Whether it’s sharing a silly rehearsal moment or a touching backstage glance, Derek and Hayley have created a space where love, creativity, and fun coexist.
As they continue to tour and work on new projects, they promise to keep bringing their fans along for the ride — not just on stage, but behind the scenes where the real magic happens.
