Derek Hough Reveals He’s “Absorbed” Hayley Erbert’s Pregnant Emotions

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Derek Hough is always in sync with Hayley Erbert.

The Dancing With the Stars judge jokingly said he’s been experiencing all the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy along with his wife, as they get ready to have their first child. They’ve been married for two years.

Derek told TopMob News he was very upset, either panicking, deeply emotional, or crying. He described the other person as incredibly calm and peaceful, like a ‘Zen Buddha’.

The 40-year-old described 31-year-old Hayley as impressive, adding that it’s been wonderful seeing her become such a great mother even before her baby arrives.

But it’s been quite the journey for Derek as well.

He shared that he’s been taking classes with doulas and midwives to prepare for the pregnancy and birth. He wants to fully understand the process, especially since they’re planning for a more private and unique birth experience, and he wants to feel confident in supporting his partner.

Derek is a naturally gifted mentor, thanks to his extensive experience. He believes he’s happiest and most fulfilled when he’s supporting others, whether by offering guidance or simply listening.

It’s also sentiment he hopes will translate well into his role as a father.

Honestly, it gets me right in the feels just thinking about it. Being able to guide, mentor, and truly love someone from the very beginning is an incredible gift. It’s a journey I cherish, and it’s deeply moving to be a part of shaping a life from day one.

He smiled and said he was really excited about everything to come, and how this experience would help him grow as a father, as a person, and as a man, leading to positive changes within himself.

 

Derek and Hayley are focused on savoring this exciting time in their lives. With rehearsals for his 40-city “Symphony of Dance: Encore” tour and getting ready for their baby’s arrival, Derek admits he needs to remind himself to slow down and appreciate the present moment.

Derek said things have been really hectic lately. He’s surprised at how quickly the date is approaching, and sometimes it hits him suddenly, which is both startling and a little frightening.

Still, the dancer knows it’ll all work out in the end.

He shared the best advice he’d ever received: trust your gut feeling. He believes it will naturally guide you when you need it.

Tickets for Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore are on sale now.

And for more on Derek and Hayley’s dance of a romance, keep reading…

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert first met in 2014 while performing together on a tour with Derek and his sister, Julianne Hough. A producer from Dancing With the Stars was impressed with Hayley, and she successfully auditioned to join the show’s dance troupe in 2015, as reported by the Hutchinson News. That same year, she and Derek began dating.

I remember when they started appearing together at events – it was so exciting to see them! One of the first times I noticed was at the premiere of the Tony Robbins Netflix documentary, I Am Not Your Guru, back in 2016. It really felt like a turning point for them.

The duo get glammed up for a star-studded night out.

The dancers first appeared as a couple on the red carpet at a 2017 celebration hosted by the Television Academy’s Choreography Peer Group in North Hollywood, California.

Hayley accompanied Derek to the Creative Arts Emmys, where he was up for an award for his choreography on Dancing With the Stars.

The two attend the star-studded Casamigos Halloween Party.

Hayley will be helping Derek host the annual Christmas tree lighting at The Americana at Brand mall in Glendale, California.

The two attend the Hollywood premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story.

The couple steps out at HBO’s post-Emmys celebration.

Stars weren’t holding back their excitement at the premiere of Netflix’s El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.

The two pose for pics at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Oscar viewing party.

Feeling festive, they dance on the special to ring in the Christmas season.

The two are all smiles at the premiere in Los Angeles.

Derek was honored with an Outstanding Choreography Emmy at the Creative Arts Emmys for his work on Dancing with the Stars.

The two dance as they arrive at the 2022 Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars viewing party.

They look top tier on the red carpet.

Hayley flashes her engagement ring at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

The two get cozy at the launch of the Disney-Pixar film.

The couple honeymoon in Italy following their Aug. 26, 2023 wedding in California.

Hayley had emergency brain surgery after a blood vessel burst, and Derek was there with her. Over a week later, he shared on Instagram that it was a terrifying and uncertain time, going from performing onstage to facing a sudden crisis. He described her recovery as miraculous.

Oh my goodness, you guys, Hayley is BACK! After getting the all-clear from doctors, she and Derek kicked off the Symphony of Dance tour again in April 2024, and it was AMAZING. But October… October was everything! Seeing her return to the ballroom, dancing with Derek… it was just so emotional. They danced to Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” and honestly, I was a mess! It was the most incredible performance, seeing them together again after everything. I seriously couldn’t stop crying – it was pure magic!

The couple is thrilled to be expecting their first child! They shared the happy news on Instagram with a video of their baby’s sonogram, and Hayley expressed their joy, saying, “We can’t believe something so small could bring us so much happiness.”

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2025-11-23 15:17