Rylee Arnold (born June 5, 2005) is an American professional Latin and ballroom dancer. She first gained recognition for her appearances on the children's television series Dancing with the Stars: Juniors (2018), where she finished as a runner-up with actor Miles Brown. After the program was cancelled, Arnold joined the main competition series as a pro in 2023.
Early life
Rylee Arnold was born on June 5, 2005, in Provo, Utah, to Joshua and Melinda "Mindy" Arnold (née Peay).[1][2] Her father is a physician assistant and former defensive back for the BYU Cougars,[2] while her mother is a physical therapist.[3] She was raised Mormon with her three older sisters: Lindsay, Jensen, and Brynley.[4][5]
Arnold was inspired to follow in the footsteps of her eldest sister, Lindsay, after watching her perform on the reality competition series Dancing with the Stars.[6] She graduated from Timpview High School in May 2023.[7]
Arnold was the only pro from Dancing with the Stars: Juniors to be cast in the main competition series following its cancellation.[15] She was announced as a professional dancer for season 32 and was partnered with media personality Harry Jowsey.[16] Despite consistently earning low scores and criticism from the judges,[17] audience voters allowed the couple to stay in the competition until they were eliminated during the quarterfinals on November 21, 2023, finishing in sixth place.[18]
For season 33, Arnold was paired with Olympic artistic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik.[19][20] They reached the finals and finished in fourth place on November 26, 2024, making Arnold the first Dancing with the Stars pro born in the 21st century to advance to the finale.[21][22] Arnold and Nedoroscik's contemporary-based freestyle routine to Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" was acclaimed by critics and viewers.[23] Rebecca Iannucci from TVLine named it the best dance number of the year.[24]
^Stephen and Rylee also received a score of 8 from guest judge Rosie Perez.
^Stephen and Rylee also received a score of 8 from guest judge Gene Simmons.
^Stephen and Rylee also received a score of 8 from guest judge Mark Ballas.
^Stephen and Rylee received zero bonus points for losing this dance-off.
Reception
Arnold has been credited with "revitalizing" Dancing with the Stars by utilizing social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to generate audience engagement.[25]Conrad Green, its showrunner, noted that Arnold's ability to draw her own audience, especially among Generation Z, has turned her into a social media consultant to other celebrities and pros.[26]
^ abOrfanides, Effie (June 2, 2024). "DWTS Insider Calls Rumored Ballroom Romance 'Inappropriate'". Heavy. Retrieved September 18, 2024. Many people who are familiar with the Arnold family probably know that they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints — they are Mormon.
