Emmy-winning dancer and choreographer Derek Hough is currently dazzling audiences across the United States with his festive Dance for the Holidays tour. But it’s not just Hough’s fancy footwork that’s captivating crowds; his adorable dog, Luna, a German shepherd/Chow Chow mix, is proving to be a scene-stealer in her own right. Joining Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, on their 40-city tour, Luna has become the unofficial mascot, spreading joy to audiences, fellow performers, and crew members alike.
Luna: The Tour’s Four-Legged Star and Support Animal
Hough recently shared in an interview with PEOPLE that Luna has an uncanny ability to melt even the toughest hearts. “She’s literally everybody’s support animal,” he says, describing how burly stagehands with beards and tattoos transform into doting admirers in Luna’s presence. Her charm is undeniable, and her playful antics have become a highlight of the tour.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(727×309:729×311)/Derek-Hough-GREENIES-Smart-Essentials-partnership-with-Greenies-121024-4-35fad3f38f164ebdb7e0586ffd21dd82.jpg)
Luna’s affectionate nature has led to some unforgettable moments on stage. Hough recounts one instance where Luna went missing after the first act. A frantic search ensued, only to find her at the edge of the stage, showering front-row audience members with enthusiastic licks. “Literally 3,000 people are just watching this dog in the center of the stage, just saying ‘Hi’ to everybody,” Hough laughs. The impromptu meet-and-greet was a resounding success, further solidifying Luna’s status as a crowd favorite.
Five Dogs and Forty Cities: The Challenges and Rewards of Touring with Pets
Luna isn’t the only canine companion on tour; she’s one of five dogs traveling with the Dance for the Holidays crew. Managing multiple pets on a demanding cross-country tour requires careful planning and dedication. Hough emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent routines for Luna, particularly when it comes to feeding. He relies on Greenies Smart Essentials and Greenies Dental Dog treats to ensure Luna receives the nutrition she needs while on the road. “You know, dogs are like our little kids, so we wanna make sure we take care of ’em,” he explains.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(612×162:614×164)/Derek-Hough-GREENIES-Smart-Essentials-partnership-with-Greenies-121024-1-583d31848384430c8eb0686208d0f58d.jpg)
The commitment to Luna’s well-being extends beyond her diet. Hough jokingly reveals that Luna enjoys star treatment when it comes to sleeping arrangements, often sprawling across the entire bed on the tour bus. Despite the occasional space constraints, Hough and Erbert wouldn’t have it any other way. Luna’s presence brings a sense of normalcy and comfort to the demanding tour life, reminding them of the simple joys of pet companionship.
Luna’s Impact Beyond the Stage: Bringing Joy to the Crew
While Luna’s stage appearances are undoubtedly memorable, her positive influence extends behind the scenes as well. Hough shares that Luna is a source of joy for the hardworking crew members who handle the demanding tasks of setting up and tearing down the stage for each performance. “It just brings them so much joy [to see Luna]. It really, really does,” he emphasizes. Luna’s playful energy and affectionate nature serve as a much-needed morale boost amidst the long hours and strenuous work.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(618×140:620×142)/derek-hough-haley-erbert-dwts-dancing-with-the-stars-101524-5289-5cd22a772f4447c9b83c78b6ae0f1d9e.jpg)
The Dance for the Holidays tour, which concludes on December 29th in Arizona, is more than just a series of performances; it’s a testament to the power of connection, both on and off stage. Luna, the unexpected star of the show, embodies this spirit, forging bonds with everyone she encounters and reminding us that sometimes, the greatest joy comes from the simplest of things: a wagging tail, a wet nose, and the unconditional love of a furry friend. For those interested in catching the remaining shows and experiencing the magic for themselves, details about upcoming tour stops can be found on Derek Hough’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Derek Hough and Luna
Q: What kind of dog is Luna?
A: Luna is a German Shepherd/Chow Chow mix.
Q: When did Derek Hough adopt Luna?
A: Derek Hough adopted Luna in June 2020.
Q: What brand of dog food does Derek Hough feed Luna?
A: Derek Hough feeds Luna Greenies Smart Essentials and Greenies Dental Dog treats.
Q: How many dogs are traveling with the Dance for the Holidays tour?
A: Five dogs are traveling with the tour.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Dance for the Holidays tour?
A: You can find more information on Derek Hough’s official website.
