Brief Introduction of Rylee Arnold
Rylee Arnold is a highly talented American professional Latin and ballroom dancer who has rapidly captivated audiences with her dynamic performances and vibrant personality. She first gained national recognition as a junior pro on the competition series Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018, where she finished as a runner-up. Following in the footsteps of her older sister, Lindsay Arnold, a former Dancing with the Stars pro and Mirrorball champion, Rylee joined the main series as a professional dancer in 2023. Her youthful energy and masterful choreography have made her a fan favorite. Beyond the dance floor, Arnold has cultivated a significant social media presence, connecting with a large following by sharing insights into her life, dance journey, and management of type 1 diabetes. She is considered a rising star in the dance world, known for her dedication, resilience, and the strong bond she shares with her dancing family.
Rylee Arnold Overview
| Full Name | Rylee Arnold |
| Date of Birth | June 5, 2005 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 20 |
| Birthplace | Provo, Utah, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Latin and Ballroom Dancer |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Parents: Joshua and Melinda “Mindy” Arnold. Siblings: Lindsay, Jensen, and Brynley Arnold. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Dating Walker Lyons |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $500,000 and $1 million |
Early Life and Education of Rylee Arnold
Rylee Arnold was born on June 5, 2005, in Provo, Utah, to Joshua and Melinda “Mindy” Arnold. She is the youngest of four daughters in a family deeply rooted in the art of dance. Her father, Joshua, is a physician assistant and former defensive back for the BYU Cougars, while her mother, Mindy, is a physical therapist who also owned a dance studio to provide a supportive environment for her daughters. Growing up in a Mormon household, Rylee was immersed in dance from a very young age, inspired by her three older sisters, Lindsay, Jensen, and Brynley, who are all accomplished dancers. Her eldest sister, Lindsay, who became a professional dancer and Mirrorball champion on Dancing with the Stars, was a particularly significant influence. Watching Lindsay compete on the show ignited Rylee’s own dream to become a professional dancer. Her family’s shared passion created a nurturing yet competitive environment that honed her skills early on. Rylee began her formal training in Latin and ballroom styles at a young age, demonstrating remarkable talent and dedication. She balanced her rigorous dance training with her academic responsibilities, graduating from Timpview High School in May 2023. At the age of 15, Rylee faced a significant personal health challenge when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after nearly falling into a diabetic coma. This life-altering diagnosis required her to adapt and develop a new level of resilience and discipline, which she has openly shared to raise awareness.
Rylee Arnold’s Career
Rylee Arnold’s professional dance career began at a remarkably young age, marked by early success in the competitive dance world. At just nine years old, she showcased her prodigious talent on an international stage, placing third at the 2014 World DanceSport Championships in Paris. She continued to compete and excel, later ranking fifth at the 2019 WDC World Championships in Dublin. These achievements signaled her potential as a formidable force in ballroom dance. Her major breakthrough into the public eye came in 2018 when she was cast as a professional dancer on the inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. Paired with actor Miles Brown and mentored by her older sister Lindsay, Rylee’s choreography and performance skills shone brightly. The pair advanced all the way to the finals, ultimately finishing as runners-up in the competition.
In 2023, Rylee achieved a lifelong dream by joining the main cast of Dancing with the Stars for its 32nd season, becoming the first pro from the ‘Juniors’ spin-off to do so. At 18, she was one of the youngest professionals in the show’s history. Her first celebrity partner was social media personality Harry Jowsey. Despite often receiving low scores from the judges, the duo became a fan favorite, largely due to their engaging social media presence and rumored showmance, which kept them in the competition through audience votes. They were eliminated during the quarterfinals, finishing in sixth place. For her second season, season 33, Rylee was partnered with Olympic artistic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik. This partnership proved to be highly successful, with the couple reaching the finals. Their contemporary-based freestyle routine to Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” was widely acclaimed by both critics and viewers, with some naming it the best dance of the year. They finished the competition in fourth place, marking the first time a professional dancer born in the 21st century had reached the finale of the American version of the show. In her third year on the show, for season 34, Rylee was paired with Scott Hoying of the a cappella group Pentatonix. Rylee is credited with revitalizing the show’s engagement, particularly with younger audiences, by effectively using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to offer behind-the-scenes content and connect with fans.
Rylee Arnold Personal Life & Family
Rylee Arnold’s personal life is deeply intertwined with her close-knit family, who have been a constant source of support throughout her career. Raised in Provo, Utah, she is the youngest of four sisters, all of whom are talented dancers. Her parents, Joshua and Mindy Arnold, fostered a love for dance in all their daughters. Her eldest sister, Lindsay Arnold, is a well-known professional dancer who won season 25 of Dancing with the Stars and has been a significant mentor for Rylee. Her other sisters, Jensen and Brynley, are also accomplished in the dance world, with Jensen being a runner-up on So You Think You Can Dance and Brynley pursuing a career as a registered nurse after a successful competitive dance career. The sisters share a strong bond and collaborate on a YouTube channel called “The Arnold Sisters.” Rylee is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In her personal relationships, Rylee Arnold began dating Walker Lyons, a tight end for the USC Trojans football team, in October 2024. The couple made their relationship public through posts on social media. Prior to this, there had been widespread speculation about a possible romance with her first Dancing with the Stars partner, Harry Jowsey, though this was never confirmed and fizzled out after the season ended. A significant aspect of Rylee’s personal journey is her experience with type 1 diabetes. She was diagnosed at age 15 after experiencing severe symptoms and nearly entering a diabetic coma. She has been open about managing her condition, using a continuous glucose monitor to track her blood sugar levels, especially during her demanding rehearsal and performance schedules. To compete on Dancing with the Stars, she splits her time between her home state of Utah and Los Angeles, California.
Awards and Achievements of Rylee Arnold
- Third Place at the 2014 World DanceSport Championships in Paris.
- Fifth Place at the 2019 WDC World Championships in Dublin.
- Runner-up on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors (2018) with partner Miles Brown.
- Fourth Place on Dancing with the Stars Season 33 (2024) with partner Stephen Nedoroscik, becoming the first pro born in the 21st century to reach the finale.
Rylee Arnold Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Rylee Arnold’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million. This impressive financial standing for a young adult is the result of multiple income streams. Her primary source of income is her salary as a professional dancer on the highly popular television series Dancing with the Stars. This likely includes a base salary per season with potential bonuses depending on how far she progresses in the competition. Another significant contributor to her net worth is her powerful social media presence. With over a million followers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, she earns substantial revenue from brand partnerships, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing, working with brands in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. Her YouTube channel, both her personal one and the collaborative “The Arnold Sisters” channel, also generates income through AdSense and sponsored videos. Furthermore, Rylee earns money from live dance performances, showcases, and by offering private dance lessons or group workshops.
Legacy and Influence
Despite her young age, Rylee Arnold is already building a significant legacy and influence within the dance and entertainment industries. She is credited with “revitalizing” Dancing with the Stars by bridging the gap between the long-running series and a younger demographic, particularly Generation Z. Her savvy use of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to provide behind-the-scenes glimpses, participate in viral trends with her partners, and engage directly with fans has been noted by the show’s producers as a key factor in boosting audience engagement. This has not only enhanced her own popularity but has also brought a fresh energy and a new wave of viewers to the franchise. As the first professional from Dancing with the Stars: Juniors to transition to the main show, she has paved the way for other young dancers to follow in her footsteps. Furthermore, by openly sharing her journey with type 1 diabetes, Rylee has become an inspirational figure for many, demonstrating that a chronic health condition does not have to be a barrier to achieving physically demanding goals. Her story of dedication, resilience, and family-oriented values continues to inspire a generation of aspiring dancers and young people.
Interesting Facts about Rylee Arnold
- She was inspired to pursue a career in dance after watching her older sister, Lindsay Arnold, compete on Dancing with the Stars.
- At age 13, she competed on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, where she was mentored by her sister Lindsay.
- She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 15.
- Rylee is the first professional dancer on the main Dancing with the Stars series who was born after the show first premiered in June 2005.
- She and her three sisters, Lindsay, Jensen, and Brynley, run a collaborative YouTube channel called “The Arnold Sisters”.
- She once considered quitting dance due to the “toxic” and political aspects of the competition world before being cast on Dancing with the Stars revived her passion for it.
- She has danced with pop superstar Justin Bieber.
Controversies
Rylee Arnold’s career has been largely free of major controversies. During her first season on Dancing with the Stars, there was significant media and fan speculation about a romantic relationship between her and her partner, Harry Jowsey. While the pair played into the rumors on social media and on the show, which some viewers found engaging and others questioned, the “showmance” did not lead to a real-life relationship and quickly dissipated after the season concluded. This was more a product of fan interest and media narrative than a genuine controversy.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@ryleearnold1) – Approximately 1 million followers.
- TikTok – Approximately 1.3 million followers.
- YouTube (The Arnold Sisters) – Over 150,000 subscribers.
Final Words about Rylee Arnold
Rylee Arnold has firmly established herself as one of the most exciting and influential young talents in the world of professional dance. Her journey from a dance-loving child in Utah to a celebrated professional on a major network television show is a testament to her immense skill, hard work, and the strong foundation provided by her family. Having already achieved finalist status on Dancing with the Stars, she has proven her capabilities as a choreographer and a performer. Her ability to connect with a younger audience through social media has not only boosted her own career but has also injected new life into the beloved dance competition series. As she continues to evolve as an artist and a public figure, Rylee Arnold’s future appears incredibly bright. Her passion for dance, combined with her resilience and authentic connection with her fans, ensures that her legacy will only continue to grow, inspiring countless others for years to come.