Val Chmerkovskiy's Vertigo Battle: DWTS Pro Opens Up on Tour Bus 'Spinning' Nightmare

Val Chmerkovskiy’s Vertigo Battle: DWTS Pro Opens Up on Tour Bus ‘Spinning’ Nightmare

Dancing With the Stars favorite Val Chmerkovskiy gave fans a raw, bedside glimpse into a disorienting health scare after vertigo sidelined him mid-tour.

The 39-year-old pro dancer posted an Instagram video from his hospital bed in Peoria, Illinois, on March 1-2, 2026, explaining how the condition—triggered by a dislodged “crystal” in his inner ear equilibrium—left him unable to perform.

“I’ve just been having vertigo for the last couple of days,” he said, noting he powered through a prior show but woke up on the moving tour bus feeling like everything was “spinning everywhere.”

Chmerkovskiy, a three-time Mirrorball champion, described the sensation vividly: “Once it goes out, it’s really hard to get it back in.” He credited the constant travel and bus motion for worsening symptoms, calling it a “small hiccup” while undergoing tests.

He apologized directly to Peoria fans who missed his performance and expressed optimism about rejoining the tour by March 3 in Milwaukee.

The tour’s official channels confirmed the last-minute swap—fellow pro Rylee Arnold covered his spot—and wished him quick healing. Support poured in from castmates and alumni, including Zac Efron, who shared his own past vertigo experience and encouraged rest.

Known for his high-energy routines and recent second-place finish with partner Alix Earle in Season 34, Chmerkovskiy’s candor highlighted the physical toll of the grueling live tour schedule. Vertigo, often benign but debilitating, causes intense dizziness and balance issues—proving even seasoned performers aren’t immune.

As the DWTS Live! tour rolls on, fans are sending healing vibes for Val’s speedy return to the floor.

Rachel Harper

Rachel Harper is a reality TV enthusiast and freelance writer with a passion for uncovering the behind-the-scenes magic of shows like Big Brother. A self-proclaimed superfan, Rachel has followed every season since 2010, even attending an open casting call for Season 22 in 2020—where she made it to the callback round! With a degree in Media Studies from UCLA and over five years of experience covering entertainment for outlets like Reality Rewind and Pop Culture Pulse, Rachel brings insider insights and fan-driven energy to her writing. When she’s not analyzing houseguest strategies or sharing audition tips, you can find her hosting Big Brother watch parties in Los Angeles or tweeting her hot takes @RachelLovesBB. Her mission? To help dreamers like you step into the Big Brother house and make reality TV history!