As the premiere of Dancing with the Stars Season 35 draws closer, fans are eager to see what’s in store for their favorite pros. Rylee Arnold, the 21-year-old dance sensation who has quickly become a fan favorite since joining the show, is sharing a peek behind the curtain at her pre-season routine, and it might surprise you.
Ahead of the two-night Season 35 premiere on ABC and Disney+, Arnold sat down for an exclusive interview and revealed that, rather than a frantic last-minute rehearsal, her final days before the competition kick off are all about one thing: rest.
“I love to just rest before a season starts, for sure, because once it gets started, it is the craziest, most stressful but super fun situation,” she shared. “So I love to just mentally prepare myself, give myself a good rest before it’s like craziness.”
The pre-season routine for Arnold is all about mental and physical preparation. She explains that the intensity of the Dancing with the Stars schedule is relentless once the show begins, making rest a crucial component of her strategy.
Mental Preparation: While dance rehearsals with her partner are critical, Arnold places a high value on being mentally ready for the whirlwind of production, live performances, and audience scrutiny. She uses the downtime before the season begins to recharge and focus.
Physical Rest: The show requires grueling rehearsals for up to 10 hours a day. Going into the season with a well-rested body and mind can help prevent injury and burnout.
Arnold’s commitment to rest shows her maturity as a professional. Now entering her fourth season as a pro, she understands that the long haul of the competition demands more than just technical skill; it requires endurance. Her comments suggest that she’s approaching the new season with a well-honed strategy.
The idea that rest is a priority might seem counterintuitive to fans expecting a cram session of practice, but it underscores the discipline required of these dancers. This revelation comes as Arnold prepares to compete alongside internet personality and comedian Connor Wood.
Arnold’s return was confirmed when ABC announced the full cast for Season 35. She is part of a lineup of returning fan-favorite pros, joining the likes of reigning mirrorball champ Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, and Sharna Burgess.
This season marks her fourth consecutive year as a professional dancer on the series, a testament to her quick rise in popularity and the faith the show has in her choreography. Her older sister, Lindsay Arnold, who stepped back from the show to focus on her family, will be cheering her on from the sidelines this season.
Rylee Arnold’s partner for Season 35 is Connor Wood, a comedian and podcaster known for his online presence under the handle “Fibula.” The pair was officially announced as part of the Season 35 cast when the show revealed its celebrity and pro pairings.
The pairing has generated significant buzz, as Arnold is known for her energetic choreography, while Wood brings a comedic personality to the ballroom. Wood has shared that his first impression of Arnold was incredibly positive, noting that he felt comfortable with her from the very first day. He also mentioned that they hit a “flow state” quickly, which bodes well for their chemistry on the dance floor.
Connor Wood is a 30-year-old comedian and content creator who has built a substantial following online. According to Wood, he found out about his partnership with Arnold and thought, “OK, we’re gonna be OK.” He has detailed the intense, hour-long rehearsals and noted that he has already tested Arnold’s patience with his dancing.
Despite the challenges, Wood has praised Arnold for being a demanding but supportive teacher. He said she is comfortable pushing him to improve, which is exactly what a celebrity contestant needs to survive and thrive in the competition.
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 will premiere with a special two-night event. The show will air live on ABC and also stream on Disney+. Episodes will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
The show will continue to air on Tuesdays following the premiere week.
Fans can expect to see the same high-energy, enthusiastic performances that made Arnold a standout in her previous seasons. With a partner like Connor Wood, who is dedicated to learning but brings a strong comedic edge, Arnold will likely have to blend technical precision with fun to make a lasting impression.
The early chemistry between Arnold and Wood suggests they could be a formidable pair, potentially making a deep run in the competition. Arnold has been with Wood since Day 1, and his commitment to her intense training style might help them stand out.
Arnold has developed a dedicated following on social media, where she often shares glimpses of her personal life and DWTS journey. Her return to Season 35 is a major topic of discussion because fans are invested in her growth as a dancer.
Fans were already speculating about her return long before the cast was announced, picking up on hints she dropped in social media posts about moving to Los Angeles and preparing for the season. Her partnership with Wood adds another layer of intrigue, as fans are curious to see how the new duo will perform.
Rylee Arnold is a professional dancer and choreographer on Dancing with the Stars. She is 21 years old and is the younger sister of former DWTS pro Lindsay Arnold. She is entering her fourth season as a pro for Season 35.
Yes, Rylee Arnold is returning as a professional dancer for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.
Rylee Arnold is partnered with comedian and podcaster Connor Wood for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premieres with a two-night event on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Rylee Arnold revealed in an interview that her main pre-season ritual involves getting plenty of rest. She said she likes to mentally prepare herself before the season begins because the schedule is so intense and stressful during filming.
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