When Ryley Arnold, a 20‑year‑old professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, announced she wouldn’t join the 2025 live tour, fans were stunned.
She shared the news on an Instagram story on November 28, 2024, saying she needed to prioritize her health after a long‑standing battle with severe Type 1 diabetes and a lingering ankle injury from the previous tour. The statement read, “So sad I won’t be on the DWTS tour this year… I have to focus on my health, especially with managing my Type 1 diabetes, which can be tricky on the road.”
Meanwhile, her Season 33 partner Stephen Nedoroscik, the 2024 U.S. Olympic bronze‑medalist on the pommel horse, was announced as the official co‑host for the entire Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2025 TourMayo Performing Arts Center. The shift from contestant to tour anchor marks a major career pivot for the gymnast‑turned‑entertainer.
Background and Health Challenges
Arnold’s journey with diabetes began in early childhood. Managing blood‑sugar spikes while dancing night after night is a logistical nightmare; insulin pumps, carb counting, and emergency kits become part of the costume bag. In a candid interview with Sherri Shepherd in early January 2025, she explained, “I love the stage, but my body sometimes tells me to sit out, and I have to listen.”
Compounding the issue, an ankle sprain forced her out of the final leg of the 2024 tour. The injury required a month of physical therapy, and doctors warned that repeated travel could delay healing. Fans who followed her Instagram saw daily glucose readings and occasional “low‑blood‑sugar” alerts, underscoring the relentless vigilance required.
Tour Details and Cast Line‑up
The 2025 tour is billed as an "ALL‑NEW SHOW" that blends glittering new numbers with fan‑favorite routines from Season 33. The official roster, posted on the tour’s website on February 4, 2025, includes veterans Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Gleb Savchenko, and Pasha Pashkov. Although Arnold’s name still appears in promotional PDFs, a disclaimer clarifies she will not perform.
Tickets went on sale in December 2024, and the demand was ferocious—selling out the initial 20‑city leg within weeks. Because of that frenzy, promoters added 12 extra dates, pushing the run into July 2025. The first stop was at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in New Jersey on January 15, followed by shows in Boston, Chicago, and Dallas.
Stephen Nedoroscik’s New Role
After dazzling judges with a freestyle to Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” in the November 27, 2024 finale, Nedoroscik was approached by the tour’s producers. “I loved the energy on DWTS, and the idea of helping bring that excitement to a live audience felt natural,” he told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview.
His duties go beyond a typical MC gig. He opens each night with a high‑energy gymnastics showcase, then leads audience games and behind‑the‑scenes interviews with the professional dancers. At the Wichita stop on March 18, 2025, photographer Kristy Mace captured him twirling with Bersten and Stewart during the opening number, confirming his presence at every venue.
The transition is symbolic: from a sport where precision is measured in milliseconds to a stage where storytelling reigns. Sports analysts see this as a fresh pathway for Olympians to extend their public profiles beyond the four‑year cycle.
Fan Reaction and Community Outreach
Social media lit up with mixed emotions. While many expressed disappointment over Arnold’s absence, the majority rallied behind her health decision, flooding her posts with supportive hashtags like #TeamRyley. Meanwhile, Nedoroscik’s appointment sparked excitement, especially among gymnastics fans eager to see him in a new light.
Beyond the glitter, the tour has a charitable side. On January 18, 2025, the cast visited Boston Children’s Hospital, delivering mini‑dance workshops for pediatric patients. Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov filmed a salsa routine for a promotional video on February 5, while a behind‑the‑scenes clip titled “The Boys of DWTS Heat Things Up” went viral, racking up over 2 million views.
These community events align with the tour’s broader mission to use entertainment for good—something BBC Studios Los Angeles, the production company behind DWTS, has emphasized in recent press releases.
What Lies Ahead for the Tour
Looking forward, the tour’s schedule now extends to late July, with stops planned in Seattle, Denver, and Atlanta. Organizers hinted at “surprise guest appearances” from former celebrity partners, though names remain under wraps.
For Arnold, the focus is recovery and advocacy. She hinted at a possible virtual performance later in 2025, aiming to raise awareness for Type 1 diabetes research. “I may not be on stage, but I want my voice to be heard,” she wrote in a March 2025 update.
As for Nedoroscik, he’s already teasing a post‑tour documentary that will chronicle his journey from the Paris 2024 Olympics to the glittering world of DWTS. If the buzz is any indication, the 2025 tour will be remembered not just for its dazzling choreography, but for the human stories that unfolded behind the sequins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ryley Arnold decide to skip the 2025 tour?
Arnold cited the need to prioritize her severe Type 1 diabetes management and recover from an ankle injury she suffered during the 2024 tour. She explained that the rigors of constant travel make blood‑sugar control exceptionally challenging.
What is Stephen Nedoroscik’s role on the tour?
Nedoroscik serves as the official co‑host for every show, opening nights with gymnastics demonstrations, leading audience games, and conducting backstage interviews with the professional dancers.
When does the tour start and where are the first shows?
The tour kicked off on January 15, 2025, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. Additional early‑year dates include Boston’s TD Garden and Chicago’s United Center.
How are fans responding to the changes in the cast?
While many expressed disappointment over Arnold’s absence, the majority have rallied in support of her health decision. Nedoroscik’s appointment has been met with excitement, especially among gymnastics enthusiasts eager to see him in a new entertainment role.
Are there any charitable components to the 2025 tour?
Yes. The cast visited Boston Children’s Hospital on January 18, 2025, offering dance workshops for pediatric patients. The tour also partners with diabetes charities, and Arnold intends to launch a virtual fundraiser later in the year.
Finance & Investment
