Stephen Nedoroscik Opens Up About Emotional Reunion With Former DWTS Partner Rylee Arnold at the Show’s Spectacular 20th Anniversary Celebration

Few moments lit up the ballroom world this week like the surprise reunion between Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik and his former Dancing with the Stars partner Rylee Arnold. The fan-favorite duo, whose quirky charm and electrifying connection made them one of Season 33’s most unforgettable pairs, crossed paths once again at DWTS’s lavish 20th anniversary celebration Tuesday night—and the feelings were instant, overwhelming, and impossible to hide.

The star-studded gala, held in Beverly Hills, gathered two decades of iconic alumni for an evening of nostalgia, ballroom magic, and emotional toasts. Among them was Lindsay Arnold Cusick, Rylee’s sister and longtime DWTS pro, who joined the festivities for special performances and sentimental tributes honoring the show’s legacy.

But the moment fans can’t stop talking about happened off-stage: when Stephen and Rylee found themselves reunited under glittering chandeliers and falling confetti—for the first time since their Season 33 tour appearances.

“Seeing Rylee again felt like slipping back into our Jive—pure joy.”

Nedoroscik, still celebrated for his Paris 2024 pommel horse bronze medal and his now-iconic “spectacles-on” ballroom persona, didn’t hold back his excitement.

Shortly after the reunion, he took to Instagram with a candid snapshot: he and Rylee mid-laugh, arms linked, confetti still floating around them like they had stepped straight out of a finale number.

His caption said everything:

“Seeing Rylee again felt like slipping back into our Jive—pure joy and zero hesitation. From tour co-hosting chaos to this full-circle moment, she’s family. Grateful doesn’t cover it.”

Fans immediately flooded the comments section with excitement, heart emojis, and emotional tributes to one of DWTS’s most unexpectedly magical partnerships.

Rylee Arnold Responds: “Best surprise ever—our energy’s unbreakable!”

Rylee—currently competing in Season 34 alongside Pentatonix star Scott Hoying—echoed the same warm energy in her Instagram Story repost.

Her message was simple, but packed with heart:

“BEST surprise ever—our energy’s unbreakable!”

She added a boomerang of her and Stephen spinning each other like they were still in rehearsals, proving chemistry like theirs doesn’t fade—it simply waits for the next dance floor moment.

A Duo That Became Fan Favorites Overnight

During Season 33, Stephen and Rylee captured hearts with:

• their infectious goofiness

• unexpectedly graceful Viennese Waltzes

• high-energy Jives that became instant classics

• behind-the-scenes moments fans replayed endlessly

• their hilarious dynamic on the DWTS Live Tour

Week after week, viewers watched a world-class gymnast transform into a confident, expressive dancer—guided by Rylee’s warmth, patience, and encouraging spark. Their fourth-place finish only strengthened their fanbase, who’ve followed both stars closely ever since.

Their reunion at the gala triggered a wave of nostalgia that spread across social media within minutes.

The Arnold Dynasty Moment: A Sisterly Group Hug

Adding even more magic to the night, Lindsay Arnold Cusick joined Stephen and Rylee for an emotional 3-way hug—a moment fans jokingly dubbed the “Arnold Dynasty Dance Circle.”

Lindsay even quipped:

“Once an Arnold partner, always part of the family.”

The crowd laughed—and Stephen, ever the humble champion, blushed through the applause.

A Night Celebrating 20 Years of Impact—and the Partnerships That Last

The 20th anniversary gala honored not just the show’s glittering milestone but the relationships formed under the pressure of live television, tough rehearsals, and emotional storytelling.

As DWTS approaches its 500th episode, the bonds between partners—built on trust, sweat, and shared vulnerability—are what keep fans returning year after year.

Stephen’s heartfelt post reminded viewers exactly why:

Some partnerships don’t end when the season ends.

Some continue because the connection is bigger than the ballroom.

Fans React: “Reunions like this are why DWTS still matters.”

Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok exploded with excitement:

“THE CHEMISTRY IS STILL CHEMISTRY-ING.”

“Stephen & Rylee OWNED Season 33 and still do.”

“Protect this friendship at all costs!”

“Put them on an All-Stars season RIGHT NOW.”

Some fans even posted edits comparing their best routines to their gala reunion photos—proof that, for many, this duo has become one of the most iconic partnerships in recent DWTS history.

What This Reunion Means Moving Forward

While there’s no indication the two will return as a pair on the show again, their reunion proves that artistry, trust, and genuine connection don’t have an expiration date.

In fact, many insiders at the gala said Stephen and Rylee’s reunion was one of the most emotional moments of the evening—a reminder of what DWTS has brought into the world:

Friendship.

Courage.

Transformation.

And occasionally…

the kind of magic that sparks again the moment two people share the same dance floor.

As Stephen Nedoroscik declared with joy that radiated through every word:

“She’s family.”

And sometimes, family doesn’t need a mirrorball to shine.