Dancing With the Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy hospitalized with vertigo during live tour. Get his health update and recovery hopes from his hospital bed.
- March 21, 2026
AceShowbiz - Val Chmerkovskiy, the professional dancer known for his work on Dancing With the Stars, revealed he was recently hospitalized due to a bout of vertigo while on the show's live tour. He shared an update from his hospital bed on March 2 via Instagram, explaining the challenges he was facing and his hopes for a swift recovery.
In a candid video posted to social media, Val Chmerkovskiy described experiencing vertigo symptoms that intensified in the days leading up to his hospitalization. "I've just been having vertigo for the last couple of days," he said, noting that although he managed to perform the previous night, his condition prompted medical tests. He added that the movement of the tour bus likely worsened his symptoms, saying: "That little crystal in your equilibrium—again I'm learning a lot—once it goes out it's really hard to get it back in. So, I'm just spinning everywhere."
Val Chmerkovskiy further detailed how waking up on the bus left him disoriented and unable to steady himself, but assured fans he was optimistic about returning to the stage quickly. He planned to be back for the March 3 show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, expressing gratitude for a scheduled day off to rest. "Hopefully tomorrow's our day off," he added. "I'll be back on Tuesday. Love you, thank you."
The news of Val Chmerkovskiy's health scare prompted an outpouring of support from friends and fellow cast members. Among them was Dylan Efron, who empathized with Val Chmerkovskiy in the comments, sharing his own experience with vertigo prior to joining Dancing With the Stars. "Feeling for you, Val. Vertigo is awful. Happened to me right before DWTS but it healed quickly. Rest up and get those crystals aligned," he wrote.
Val Chmerkovskiy's wife, professional dancer Jenna Johnson, also responded with heartfelt emojis, displaying her concern.
On March 2, Val Chmerkovskiy issued an apology to fans who had expected to see him perform live during the Peoria tour stop. He posted on Instagram Story: "My apologies to all of the fans that came out to see us today in Peoria. Thank you to my fellow castmates for rallying. Little bump in the road I'll be good to go asap." He emphasized the severity of his symptoms by stating, "It takes quite literally me not being able to stand on my feet to keep me off that stage. Unfortunately, I just couldn't make it tonight."
Throughout the tour, Val Chmerkovskiy has been performing alongside his season 34 partner Alix Earle as well as other notable cast members including Dylan Efron. The tour also features guest hosts.
The official Dancing With the Stars tour account addressed Val Chmerkovskiy's health situation via an Instagram Story on March 2, confirming that he was receiving medical care and expressing wishes for a rapid recovery.
Despite this challenge, Val Chmerkovskiy remains determined to return to the Dancing With the Stars tour stage as soon as possible. His transparent communication with fans and fellow performers highlights the physical demands of live performances and the importance of prioritizing health.
Fans and colleagues continue to send well wishes to Val Chmerkovskiy as he navigates this health setback, eagerly anticipating his return to the dance floor for upcoming shows.