Dancing with the Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy was hospitalized while traveling in Illinois as part of the live tour of the 2026 dance competition.
Sharing an Instagram video taken from his hospital bed on Sunday, March 1, Chmerkovskiy, 39, broke the news to fans.
“What’s up guys, my bad, I ended up here in Peoria, [Illinois]but the doctor was cool, shouted our Claire [personal trainer] on our journey with everyone on the journey to meet. “I just had vertigo a few days ago and I had it yesterday,” said the professional dancer.
Chmerkovskiy, wearing a gray shirt and blue beanie, appeared distraught in the video as his voice was hoarse and his eyes filled with tears. The video was shared two hours after he spoke DWTS‘ Illinois fans on his Instagram Stories, apologizing for missing Sunday’s show at Peoria’s Prairie Home Alliance Theater.
His video also explained how he was recently affected by vertigo, which was described by Cleveland Clinic “like the feeling that your surroundings are going around in circles” which is “a symptom of many health conditions rather than the disease itself.”
“We did tests and … we’re on the bus so I think that kind of wants that little crystal in your balance … I’m learning a lot. Once it’s out, it’s really hard to get it back,” Chmerkovskiy explained. “I wander all over the place, so, on the bus, when it was leaving, you know, I woke up and couldn’t put it together. I hope tomorrow is a day off [and] I will be back on Tuesday. I love you, thank you.”
The video was followed by another short clip of the dancer lying in her hospital bed with a caption that read, “Blood work done, vitals checked. See you soon.”
Val Chmerkovskiy entered the conversation after Dancing With the Stars surprised fans by not bringing back Sasha Farber as a pro for season 34. “It’s not personal,” Chmerkovskiy, 39, told Us Weekly exclusively on Sunday, September 7, on the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 red carpet. “It’s the nature of this business.” Chmerkovskiy agreed […]
Chmerkovskiy is one of many DWTS people participating in the 2026 tour following the show’s 34th season. Celebrities included Danielle Fishel, Andy Richter again Elaine Hendrix they are currently working as their travel partners while their partner is competing Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles again Robert Irwin they all have a role within certain cities.
Chmerkovskiy and his partner, Earle, 25, finished as runners-up last season DWTSmissed out on the mirrorball trophy for Irwin, 22, and his dance partner, Whitney Carson.
Thanks to Chmerkovskiy, Monday, March 2, actually serves as a rest day for the cast and crew of the live tour before they hit the road for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to perform at the Miller High Life Theater the next day. The tour is scheduled to wrap up in Akron, Ohio, on Wednesday, May 13.
Chmerkovskiy’s video drew him well wishes DWTS fans who hit the athlete’s comment section to express sympathy and ongoing thoughts. “I’m living with vertigo and it’s so bad! What did the doctor do for you? I’d love to know. Get better Val,” one fan wrote, while another wrote, “That’s so hard to deal with. Relax – hurry up!”
Officer DWTS The Instagram live account also commented on the video. “We hope you feel better soon,” read the comment, followed by a heart hand emoji.
