Derek Hough Reunites With His Wife in Symphony of Dance: Encore
Derek Hough is bringing his high-energy stage spectacle, “Symphony of Dance: Encore,” to New Jersey this summer. The 40-show tour will make a highly anticipated two-night stop at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown on July 21 and July 22, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. The 41-year-old Emmy Award-winning dancer, choreographer, and television personality returns with a brand-new production built around fresh choreography, theatrical staging, and the kind of athletic showmanship that has made him one of the most recognizable names in contemporary dance.
Hough, best known for his record-breaking six Mirrorball victories as a pro dancer on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” promises a show packed with signature moves. The production blends dance and music across various styles, including ballroom, tap, modern, salsa, and hip-hop.
Designed as a fast-moving concert experience, “Symphony of Dance: Encore” pairs Hough’s precision and charisma with a large-scale production. To achieve this high level of theatrical storytelling, Hough teamed up with creative visionaries Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo, known together as Nappytabs. The Emmy Award-winning choreographers are celebrated for their industry-defining contributions to hit television shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Best Dance Crew.” The married duo also served as the primary creative directors shaping Jennifer Lopez’s iconic global performances for nearly two decades. Their collective vision, combined with Hough’s showmanship, guarantees audiences an unforgettable evening of spectacular routines.
Derek Hough brings World-Class Dance to Morristown
For the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Hough’s return reflects both a strong relationship with the artist and a growing appetite for dance-centered productions among local audiences. “We’ve had Derek at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in several forms over the past few years — on his own with 'Derek Hough Live! The Tour,' with his sister in 'Move Beyond Live on Tour,' and with his wife in the original 'Symphony of Dance' tour,” says Ed Kirchdoerffer, Mayo’s Chief Operating Officer. “These types of performances, from 'Dancing with the Stars' to 'So You Think You Can Dance,' do very well with our patrons. It’s become a very popular genre.”
Kirchdoerffer says a show like “Symphony of Dance: Encore” aligns with Mayo’s broader mission of bringing world-class performing arts to Morristown. Part of that appeal, he adds, is the show’s ability to cut across generations. “It reaches an audience that other performances may not reach. We have children and grandparents at this type of show. It appeals to everybody,” he explains. “It’s energetic, fun, very well produced, and features slick performances. It’s a great event to bring to Morristown.”
Beyond the production value itself, Kirchdoerffer says one of the tour’s biggest draws is the opportunity for fans to interact directly with Hough through its VIP packages, including pre-show meet-and-greet experiences. “Guests get to meet Derek, talk to him, or even dance with him,” adds Kirchdoerffer. “That’s always fun to watch. He is so generous with his time and so friendly. He comes across as a very genuine person, and that’s great to see.”
Hayley Hough's Return to the Stage
Joining Hough on stage is his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough, a powerhouse professional dancer who has starred on “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” The duo’s touching reappearance in the spotlight carries profound meaning. It was in December 2023, just four months after their wedding and during the original “Symphony of Dance” tour, when Hayley suffered a life-threatening cranial hematoma. Following surgery and a remarkable recovery, the couple has since navigated a highly publicized journey back to the dance floor — and into parenthood. Their infant daughter, Everley Capri Hough, born in late 2025, is even joining them on the road as a sweet fixture backstage.
“Derek will be reunited with his wife and performing alongside her, and I think audiences will be excited to know that she’s feeling good and back in good health,” Kirchdoerffer says. “She’s an amazing dancer, too, and it will be wonderful to see them together on stage again. Our audiences feel a real connection to Derek and his wife, so it will be great to have that connection reignited as they dance together here and wherever they go for many years to come.”
From Ballroom Prodigy to Television Mainstay
Hough began dancing in his hometown of Salt Lake City at age 11 before moving to London to train with leading dance coaches and studying at the Italia Conti performing arts school. He rose to national prominence as a professional dancer alongside his sister, Julianne Hough. Deeply trained in Latin and ballroom, the world-renowned brother-sister dance duo combined flawless chemistry with good-natured sibling rivalry that dominated “Dancing with the Stars” for years.
Beyond dance, Hough can add best-selling author to his list of credits. His 2014 memoir, “Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion,” earned a coveted spot on the “New York Times” Best Seller list. The autobiography chronicles his journey from overcoming childhood bullying and navigating grueling training in London to managing the high-stakes backstage life of live television. He successfully transforms the core principles of competitive dance into practical, everyday lessons for overcoming life's obstacles.
A Proven Live Performer
A seasoned stage performer, Hough’s “Symphony of Dance: Encore” follows a string of successful live productions. The tour comes on the heels of previous sold-out showstoppers, including the original “Symphony of Dance” and “Dance for the Holidays.” His solo touring career began with “Live: The Tour” in 2019, following sold-out collaborations with his sister, Julianne, including the “Move Live” and “Move – Beyond” tours. He expanded his stage presence beyond traditional touring when he headlined a critically acclaimed Las Vegas residency, “Derek Hough: No Limit,” at The Venetian Resort.
His return to the stage together with his wife, Hayley, offers a masterful blend of dazzling stagecraft and raw emotion. Ultimately, “Symphony of Dance: Encore” is more than just a showcase of world-class choreography; it is a triumphant, personal celebration of recovery and resilience.
To learn more about the show and to check ticket availability, visit www.derekhough.com.
