For years, fans have followed Derek and Hayley Hough through social media, watching performances, rehearsals, and milestones unfold in real time. What audiences often don’t see are the challenges that happen behind the scenes.
At Tribeca, that story took center stage.
During the red carpet for The Symphony of Dance, Derek and Hayley Hough joined filmmaker Jason Bergh to discuss the documentary chronicling Hayley’s recovery journey following a life-altering health emergency. What began as a simple act of support eventually evolved into a deeply personal film that captures resilience, perseverance, and the power of community.
For Bergh, the project wasn’t originally intended to become a documentary.
“When the news spread about her accident, I was extremely gut-punched for them,” Bergh explained. “They’re just wonderful human beings.”
After reconnecting with Derek roughly a month later, Bergh offered his support and learned the couple planned to return to the dance studio as part of Hayley’s recovery process.
“I said, ‘I’m going to come and shoot that just so you have it,'” Bergh recalled. “Whether she goes back or not, you’ll have it forever.”
What started as a single recording session quickly evolved into something much larger.
“She just kept progressing and progressing and progressing,” he said. “The film just kept going. I couldn’t stop shooting.”
That same organic evolution was echoed by Derek and Hayley, who revealed that the documentary was never part of a master plan.
“It all came together really seamlessly,” Hayley shared. “It was really raw and authentic.”
According to the couple, Bergh first joined them as Hayley prepared to dance again following surgery. From there, he continued documenting doctor visits, rehearsals, and milestones along the way.
“He then came to a doctor’s appointment and then came to another dance rehearsal,” Hayley explained.
Derek added, “Then he was like, ‘Well now I need to come film the first performance.’ It just turned into something naturally.”
The resulting film offers audiences a perspective that extends beyond the polished performances and uplifting social media moments fans have come to expect.
During our conversation, Bergh reflected on the importance of showing that even public figures experience adversity.
“We’re all human,” he said. “We all have a soul. We all have a heart. We all have ambition and things to do in life.”
One of his biggest takeaways from spending nearly two years documenting the journey was witnessing the empathy that Derek and Hayley bring to everyone around them.
“Derek and Hayley just bleed with such empathy and such love,” Bergh said. “It’s refreshing to be around them.”
Beyond the documentary, Derek also reflected on another major transition in his career: completing his first full year as a correspondent for Extra.
“It’s been great. I’ve learned a lot,” he said. “I have so much respect and admiration for anybody that’s asking questions and being on that side because it’s really challenging.”
The longtime performer joked that the role feels like a completely different chapter of life.
“It feels like a dad job,” he laughed. “I go to work in the morning. I go to an office. I’ve never had that before.”
Whether through dance, storytelling, or television, one thing became clear throughout these conversations: The Symphony of Dance is about much more than performance. It’s about resilience, healing, and finding purpose through life’s most difficult moments.
And judging by the response at Tribeca, it’s a story audiences are ready to embrace.
Watch the full interview with director Jason Bergh and Derek and Hayley Hough above.
