Rylee Arnold

Rylee Arnold is an American professional Latin and ballroom dancer best known for her tenure on Dancing with the Stars. Born in Provo, Utah, she first gained national recognition as a runner-up on the spin-off series Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018. Following the cancellation of the junior series, she successfully auditioned for the main adult competition, becoming a professional dancer in 2023.

As of 2026, at age 21, she remains one of the show's most prominent professionals. Her career is distinguished by her technical precision in Cha-Cha and Jive routines, alongside her public advocacy for Type 1 diabetes awareness. She balances her high-energy dance schedule with rigorous health management and has cultivated a massive social media following across Instagram and TikTok. [edit]

Rylee Arnold was born on June 5, 2005, in Provo, Utah, a city known for its strong religious community. Her early life was deeply rooted in movement; she began training at a very young age before attending the prestigious Rock School of Dance in Salt Lake City. During these formative years, she competed in various regional and national dance competitions, honing her skills in both ballroom and Latin styles long before stepping into the spotlight.

A pivotal moment occurred when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 15. In later interviews, Arnold revealed that this diagnosis caused significant physical exhaustion and sleep deprivation for years. Despite these health challenges, she continued to train and perform, viewing her management of the condition as a testament to her discipline. This period of struggle prepared her for the rigors of professional performance.

Her path to television fame solidified in 2018 when she was cast on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. Partnered with actor Miles Brown, the duo finished as runners-up, finishing second behind winners Maddie Ziegler and Keo Motsepe. This role launched her into the public eye, but unlike many child stars who fade after the junior series ends, she leveraged her early fame to secure a permanent spot on the main roster after the program was cancelled. [edit]

Arnold's transition from a child star on Juniors to a respected professional on the main stage marks a rare success story in the franchise's history. After the junior series concluded, she focused on professional dance contracts, guest appearances, and touring productions while maintaining a lower profile than during her teen years.

In 2023, she successfully auditioned for the main Dancing with the Stars (Season 32) as a Professional Dancer. She was paired with celebrity partner Joey Fatone for the premiere, marking her official entry into the adult competition. She continued her run on Season 33 in 2024, partnering with various celebrities including former NFL player Deion Sanders in a special episode context. Her technical precision and fresh style quickly made her a fan favorite.

By 2025, she participated in Season 34, continuing to showcase her skills. In August 2026, she was confirmed as a returning professional for Dancing with the Stars Season 35. That same month, she faced controversy regarding her participation in the spin-off DWTS: The Next Pro, where she critiqued fellow judge AJ Pritchard. This led to a public apology and media scrutiny, yet she remained a central figure in the show's social media sphere, amassing over 1 million followers on Instagram and 1.8 million on TikTok. [edit]

Rylee Arnold projects a youthful yet disciplined image, balancing the vibrant energy of a competitive dancer with the seriousness of a health advocate. Her signature style on stage features custom-designed costumes with vibrant colors and intricate beadwork, while off-stage she favors casual, youthful streetwear. She is known for being accessible and humble, frequently engaging with fans on TikTok by responding to comments and sharing behind-the-scenes content.

Media perception of her has evolved from a child star to a resilient professional. Her openness about living with Type 1 diabetes has earned her respect beyond the dance floor, framing her as an inspiration for others managing chronic conditions. Even amidst recent controversies, her public persona remains defined by her dedication to her craft and her authentic connection with her audience. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Rylee Arnold. While she holds a significant presence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, no formal global ranking has been assigned by the engine as of September 2026.

The fanbase surrounding Arnold is highly active and informal, often referred to simply as "Arnold Fans" or the unofficial "Rylee Army." These supporters are known for creating edit videos that highlight her technical skill and for fiercely defending her against criticism. During the August 2026 controversy involving AJ Pritchard, fans organized digital support campaigns, flooding social media with messages of backing and tagging head judge Shirley Ballas to intervene. Arnold actively engages with this community, sharing personal updates and dance clips that keep her connection with them strong. [edit]

Rylee Arnold carries insulin pumps and monitors blood sugar levels constantly, even during intense rehearsals for major televised events. She is one of the youngest professional dancers to join the main Dancing with the Stars cast, having started at age 17 in 2023. Her partnership with Miles Brown on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors is often cited as the reason the show felt fresh, with their chemistry widely praised by critics.

In May 2026, Arnold opened up about how her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis left her exhausted for years, transforming her narrative from just a dancer to a survivor. During the filming of DWTS: The Next Pro in August 2026, she became a central figure in a viral feud with judge AJ Pritchard, cementing her place in the show's lore as a candid and unfiltered professional. Fans have organized digital support campaigns for her during the drama, flooding social media with messages of support. [edit]

Rylee Arnold grew up in Provo, Utah, where she was raised in a family with strong religious values. While she keeps her parents' names private, she has frequently spoken about how her faith has guided her through life's hardest moments, particularly during her battle with diabetes. She currently resides in the Los Angeles area where the show is filmed, though she maintains close ties to her home state.

She does not have any reported children or siblings publicly named in media sources. Her household focuses on managing her health needs alongside her demanding dance career. Friends and colleagues often note her humility and the supportive nature of her background as key factors in her grounded personality despite her rising fame. [edit]

Miles Brown, Shirley Ballas, AJ Pritchard, Walker Lyons, Stephen Nedoroscik. [edit]

As of late 2026, Rylee Arnold is in a public relationship with Walker Lyons. Their romance went public in mid-2025 and was officially confirmed in August 2026 when they "hard-launched" their relationship on social media. Interviews from that summer revealed that Lyons was supportive and loving regarding the announcement. They have been spotted together at various events, including a double date with gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner in Parma, Ohio.

There are no publicly documented romantic relationships prior to Walker Lyons. Given her age when she first gained fame at 13 and the intense focus on her career and health management during her teenage years, she kept her personal life private until recently. As of 2026, she continues to date Lyons, with no reports of marriage or children from this union. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team research puts Rylee Arnold's fortune at around $1.5 Million as of 2026. Her wealth stems primarily from her salary on Dancing with the Stars, estimated between $15,000 and $25,000 per episode depending on the season and placement. She also earns income through brand endorsements related to dance apparel and fitness, though specific contract figures remain undisclosed.

Social media monetization plays a significant role in her financial portfolio, with over 1 million Instagram followers and 1.8 million on TikTok generating revenue through sponsored content. Her representation team handles inquiries for private performances and workshops, adding another stream of income. Unlike some peers, she has not disclosed major real estate holdings, focusing her resources on her career and health management. [edit]

Rylee Arnold has achieved significant milestones within the Dancing with the Stars ecosystem, most notably finishing as a runner-up on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018. She has consistently ranked among the top fan-favorite professional dancers on the main show since joining in 2023. While she has not won major industry awards like Emmys or Grammys, her performance-based rankings and viewer votes stand as her primary accolades. [edit]