"Dancing With the Stars” pro Rylee Arnold is opening up about how her time on the show has changed her. “I realized that I can do hard things,” the 20-year-old told Women’s World. Arnold, who has type 1 diabetes, has also learned to balance her health and her career. And she is proud of herself.
“It’s a hard job, and it’s hard to manage your time and to manage your wellness, but I did all of that and I did it successfully …,” Arnold explained. “I felt like I was prioritizing myself and my job at the same time.”
Just like any job, being a professional dancer can cause burnout, but Arnold has a very positive way to combat it. “I just think back to when I was younger, how much I wanted to be in this position,” she revealed. “… if I were 12-year-old Rylee, I can’t imagine how excited and happy she’d be.”
How Arnold Prioritizes Her Health
Working as a professional dancer on a high-profile TV show and managing health issues at the same time can be challenging. But Arnold has found that balancing the two has helped her mature as a person.
“I’m able to handle conflict and hard things in my life better, because I go through the management and just the hard things that come with type 1 diabetes,” she shared. Arnold, who joined “DWTS” in 2023, is also hoping that her success can help others dealing with a diabetes diagnosis.
“… I want to be an inspiration to young people or anyone with type 1 diabetes,” she explained, “so it really gives me that motivation every day that I’m doing it for them and not just for myself.”
Arnold also revealed that her nighttime routine is a big part of her self-care. “Having a long night routine is my favorite, whether that’s a long shower or a bath, skincare and a face mask,” she said. “That’s my favorite way to unwind and relax after a hard day.”
How Arnold Really Felt About Her Final Dance in Season 33
During season 33 of “DWTS” Arnold was paired with Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik. The dance couple became a fan favorite, and they ultimately landed in the finals. Arnold choregraphed their last dance together, a freestyle routine set to Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida.”
While it was Arnold’s first time performing in the show’s finale, she was not anxious about it. “I wasn’t really nervous, to be honest, because I felt well-prepared,” the pro shared. “Stephen and I knew exactly what we needed to do just to perform our very best … gratitude was the main thing that I was feeling.”
