“Proud of you”— Dancing with the Stars’ Rylee Arnold praises Stephen Nedoroscik ahead of 500th episode

The 500th episode of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) was released on November 12, 2024. Over the years, the series, which began airing in 2005, has seen several pairs of dancers who have bonded during their time on the show. One such pair is Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner, Rylee Arnold.

The two drew attention from fans for their performances and their bond both on and off the dance floor. Rylee Arnold shared an uplifting tribute to Stephen in honor of the special episode, expressing pride and admiration for his hard work and growth as a dancer.

"I'm so proud of you," she commented.

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Rylee Arnold and Stephen Nedoroscik prepare for Dancing with the Stars 500th episode

Dancing with the Stars has become a beloved TV show that pairs celebrities with professional dancers for a series of performances and competitions. The show’s 500th episode highlights its popularity and significance in the entertainment landscape.

Over the years, the program has featured numerous celebrities from various fields, including athletes, actors, and musicians, showcasing their dancing abilities.

Stephen Nedoroscik, an Olympic gymnast, joined this season of Dancing with the Stars alongside Rylee Arnold, a professional dancer and choreographer. Stephen previously expressed initial apprehension about dancing, given his background in gymnastics, but gradually adapted to the demands of ballroom dancing. Rylee Arnold has been working with Stephen to refine his dancing skills, guiding him through the complexities of various routines.

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Rylee Arnold's message to Stephen Nedoroscik

Ahead of the 500th episode, Rylee Arnold uploaded a post on Instagram, expressing her pride in Stephen's efforts and his progress throughout the competition. In her message, Rylee commended Stephen for his hard work and dedication, noting his improvement as a dancer.

“I’m so proud of you and how hard you have worked on this dance! You continue to impress and inspire me every day, and I love teaching you dance!!!” she wrote on the social media platform.

Rylee’s post also emphasized the significance of being part of the 500th episode, referencing her long-standing admiration for the show. Her message conveyed both personal pride in Stephen’s development and enthusiasm for the milestone event.

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The 500th episode and the preparation

Rylee Arnold and Stephen Nedoroscik (Image via Getty)

The 500th episode of Dancing with the Stars is expected to feature special segments, including notable guest appearances and performances. Rylee Arnold mentioned in a video shared with her followers that the episode will include "special guests" and highlight the "amazing and iconic" dances featured in the show.

She added that the episode will also see the instant dance round, which features high energy and quick choreography. Stephen and Rylee’s preparation for the episode has involved a focus on perfecting their routine.

The pair is set to perform the Viennese Waltz, a dance known for its elegance and precision. Stephen has been working to improve his timing, a critical aspect of the dance, with particular attention given to its smooth, continuous movements.

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Mark Ballas joins the team

To prepare, Stephen and Rylee worked with professional dancer and former DWTS champion Mark Ballas, who has won the competition several times. His experience in ballroom dancing, especially in timing and technique, proved to be valuable in perfecting the routine for the 500th episode.

According to Rylee Arnold, the rehearsals with the help of Mark provided insights on improving how Stephen was doing his steps, especially at the right time of Viennese Waltz.

“We had Mark Ballas come in, and it was really, really beneficial, and I’m just so excited for this one,” she told Entertainment Tonight.

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Episodes of Dancing With the Stars air every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.