DWTS Pro Val Chmerkovskiy Hospitalized for Vertigo During Tour

The three-time Mirrorball Trophy winner shared an update from his hospital bed after experiencing a health scare on the road.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Dancing With the Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy was hospitalized during the show's current tour due to a bout of vertigo. Chmerkovskiy shared a video from his hospital bed, explaining that he had been dealing with vertigo for a couple of days and woke up unable to get himself together on the tour bus. Many fellow DWTS professionals and contestants offered messages of encouragement as Chmerkovskiy recovers.

Why it matters

Vertigo can be a debilitating condition that affects balance and coordination, making it difficult for dancers like Chmerkovskiy to perform. This incident highlights the physical toll the DWTS tour can take on the professional dancers, who often push through injuries and illnesses to deliver high-energy performances for fans.

The details

In the video Chmerkovskiy shared on Instagram, he explained that he had been experiencing vertigo for a couple of days and was able to get through the previous show. But on the tour bus, he woke up unable to get himself together due to the spinning sensation caused by the vertigo. Chmerkovskiy said doctors were running tests to try to get the "little crystal" in his inner ear, which controls balance, back in place.

  • Chmerkovskiy shared the video from the hospital on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • The current DWTS tour kicked off in January 2026.

The players

Val Chmerkovskiy

A three-time Mirrorball Trophy winner on Dancing With the Stars who was hospitalized during the show's current tour due to a bout of vertigo.

Danielle Karagach

A DWTS pro dancer who is performing on the current tour alongside Chmerkovskiy.

Dylan Efron

A Season 34 DWTS contestant who is participating in the current tour and offered encouragement to Chmerkovskiy.

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What they’re saying

“Feeling for you Val, Vertigo is awful. Happened to me right before DWTS but it healed quickly. rest up and get those crystals aligned.”

— Dylan Efron, DWTS Season 34 Contestant (Instagram)

“Vertigo is awful I'm so sorry babe. Feel better soon xx.”

— Sharna Burgess, DWTS Pro (Instagram)

“I had horrible vertigo for weeks going into DWTS and Derek spinning me in the air fixed it! The force puts the ear crystals that get loose back into place! Spinning probably kicked them out of place but then spinning actually puts them back into place as well. That what they do in therapy. Sending you so much love vertigo is the worst. Hope you feel better soon.”

— Amy Purdy, Paralympian and DWTS Season 18 Alum (Instagram)

What’s next

Chmerkovskiy said he is hoping for a day off on Monday to rest and recover, and plans to return to the tour on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the physical demands and health risks that professional dancers on the DWTS tour face, as they push through injuries and illnesses to deliver high-energy performances for fans. Chmerkovskiy's openness about his vertigo struggle and the support from his fellow dancers and contestants highlights the tight-knit community within the DWTS family.