"ABSOLUTELY STUNNING" - Dancing with the Stars fans shower Stephen with praise for 500th episode performance

Dancing with the Stars
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold in Dancing with the Stars Season 33 | Image source: Instagram/@dancingwiththestars

Stephen Nedoroscik scored 29 out of 30 points for his Viennese waltz during Dancing with the Stars’ historic 500th episode celebration on November 13, 2024. The Olympic gymnast and his partner Rylee Arnold performed to the song Glimpse of Us by Joji, recreating a memorable routine from Season 31’s couple Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas.

An X user captured the performance’s impact, writing:

"ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!! I was nervous for Stephen just because of how challenging this dance is and how the message is so emotional—it's just hard to do justice for anyone. But that was BEAUTIFUL!"

Their performance featured enhanced frame control following direct mentorship from Ballas himself during rehearsals. The dance marked a significant milestone in Nedoroscik’s journey, as he demonstrated remarkable technical progress through a spotlight opening and a confetti-filled finale.

The performance secured his advancement to the Dancing with the Stars Season 33 semifinals, marking him as a strong contender.


Dancing with the Stars fans are all praises for Stephen Nedoroscik’s performance in milestone 500th Episode

Stephen and her Dancing with the Stars Season 33 partner, Rylee Arnold, began their routine under a single spotlight, crafting an intimate atmosphere as Arnold spun outward before Nedoroscik stepped forward to lead. Their synchronized movements included multiple gliding sequences across the floor, featuring rises and falls characteristic of the Viennese waltz.

The routine demonstrated Nedoroscik’s enhanced frame control and partner work, resulting from focused training sessions with Mark Ballas. Ballas specifically worked on Nedoroscik’s posture and timing during rehearsals, which proved crucial in the final performance. The choreography incorporated complex spins, synchronized arm movements, and precise footwork patterns.

Praising the performance, X user wrote:

"That was stephen's best dance by far. no tricks, no flips, just pure dancing #dwts."

The scoring breakdown showed two perfect 10s from Inaba and Hough, while Tonioli awarded a nine, bringing their total to 29/30.

Another X user posted:

"should've been a perfect score i don't care."

The routine’s closing sequence featured a series of coordinated movements as confetti descended, with Nedoroscik ending in the spotlight where he began, creating a circular narrative to the performance.

One X user noted:

"Honestly, it looked like Stephen was at times a bit timid in the face during the dance, but he was ABSOLUTELY leading that Viennese Waltz, and any possible lack of confidence didn't show at all in his body #DWTS DWTS500th."

Following their successful Viennese waltz, Nedoroscik and Arnold faced the instant dance challenge portion of the 500th episode. The pair learned they would perform the jive to Olivia Rodrigo’s Love is Embarrassing with minimal preparation time. During the quick rehearsal period, Nedoroscik practiced in different tempos to prepare for the unknown music timing.

The Dancing with the Stars Season 33 duo appeared in matching silver outfits for their jive performance. Their routine featured synchronized kicks and a sequence of mirrored movements. Arnold incorporated a duck-under move while Nedoroscik executed a leg lift over her.

The choreography included side-by-side footwork sequences and hand jive elements. A notable moment came when Nedoroscik performed a leap-frog move over Arnold, landing in a split for the finale.

X user praised the energy of the performance, writing:

"LOVED STEPHEN'S HAPPY FEET #DWTS #DWTS500th."

One X user analyzed the technical aspects:

"Yeah, Stephen's timing/synch issues returned, but the fact that he was getting ahead of the timing meant he really internalized the dance and wasn't just clunking out steps or reacting to his partner's instruction. Easily the best of the male instant dances #DWTS #DWTS500th"

The instant dance received varied feedback from the judges of the Dancing with the Stars Season 33. Bruno Tonioli acknowledged improved technical execution compared to Nedoroscik’s week one jive but pointed out timing inconsistencies. Carrie Ann Inaba commended his ability to recover from minor mistakes, awarding him a nine. Derek Hough gave an eight, praising the joyful energy while noting timing challenges. Tonioli scored the dance with an eight, bringing their instant dance total to 25/30.

X user captured the evening’s emotional impact, sharing:

"I got chills during this! Such a beautiful dance."

The combined scores from both performances totaled 54 points, placing the pair third on the episode’s leaderboard.

With five couples remaining, the elimination announcement revealed Nedoroscik and Arnold as the second pair confirmed for semifinal advancement. This achievement marked another milestone in their Dancing with the Stars journey during the historic 500th episode celebration.

The pair’s performances demonstrated both technical growth and artistic development as they moved forward in the competition.


Stephen and Rylee are all set to perform in Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Semi Finale, which will air on November 19, 2024.

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Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala