On Dancing With The Stars, as the weeks pass, the stage is turning from a bridgehead to a battlefield for Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold. The duo came onto the floor with an energy that was palpable and a chemistry that was hard to look past. But the duo has officially been caught slacking! On week five of DWTS, Stephen and Rylee hit the dance floor and danced to “A Star Is Born” from Hercules. Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the judges, even felt that it was perhaps the best way to start the night. But despite high praise, the feedback was not without some criticism.

All three judges went on to point out that Stephen Nedoroscik had a major issue in his routine. The issue? Timing! They all mentioned how Stephen often seemed to be ahead of the music. The weight of criticism sure made it to the scores that came out. The duo went on to score 24. A major fall from their week five 33 score! The judges weren’t the only ones to notice the flaws in the routing; the eagle-eyed fandom also did!

Netizens have stepped into the ring of performance debate. And boy, oh boy, is it getting heated in the comments! The first point of contention has been Rylee Arnold’s coaching! “I agree. I love her, but her age and experience are really showing this season,” remarked a fan. The point is not without its backing; Rylee is relatively new to the DWTS stage. Although she did have a strong run during the Dancing with the Stars: Juniors back in 2018, being a pro dancer comes with its pressures. And above those expectations!

However, not all criticism seems fair. The fandom has also presented a counterargument. Some wonder if the fall in performance levels has something to do with Stephen’s limitations and not Rylee’s coaching. To understand the same, let’s look at the trajectory a bit. Despite having faced a fair share of lows, Rylee’s coaching has come through on stage for the most part. As one fan rightly says, “This sub has a weird stance on Rylee vs. the other pros. A lot of stars haven’t shown marked improvement, yet excuses are made to take the blame off their pros, while Rylee seems to be held to a higher standard.” Aye, Aye, captain! The point is not without its backing.

All through the episodes of Season 33, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold have been jumping around on the scoreboard but have shown consistency in the aspect that matters the most. Growth! They started with a Jive to “Don’t Stop Me Now,” scoring 21, and gradually improved, earning 33 for their Argentine Tango to “Seven Nation Army.” Timing issues aside, even 24 is not bad for a duo that started with three 7s. This consistency says that Rylee Arnold’s ambitious approach to coaching might just be working on some levels!

As another fan rightly put it, “Tricks aside, she is giving Stephen a ton of choreo. So she definitely knows her stuff, and Stephen is learning from her.” Despite that, the intangible elements of time and musicality seem to haunt the duo. The two things that are hard to teach. And that’s where Rylee Arnold’s challenge, both as a coach and as a partner, lies! But before facing the challenge, the fandom had more to say!

Despite being on the fences, fans are giving Stephen the “Benefit”

Despite the performance of week six being rather bleak, not all of the fandom is ready to throw in the towels on Stephen. Let’s not forget Stephen Nedoroscik is, after all, a two-time Olympian! Netizens are stepping up and giving Stephen the benefit of the doubt. They see that the jump from gymnastics to dance might not be as easy as it seems. As one fan puts it, “This hate on Rylee in here is unjustified and getting old….. Stephen is stiff and doesn’t have great musicality.”

Musicality seems to be a word that comes up a lot with Stephen on DWTS. During week 5 rehearsals, Bruno Tonioli visited the duo. Any guesses on what he had to say? Bruno went on to say two things. “Musicality” and “those shoulders”! Bruno was talking about loosening up to Stephen and letting the movements flow as he felt the music. Unfortunately, the feedback that was carried to week five seemed to be forgotten during week six. But the fandom has pointed out another possible reason for the downfall!

“I wonder if his eyesight on the dance floor really impacts him with his timing,” commented a fan. The fandom is not wrong yet again! Stephen Nedoroscik has, over the years, spoken about his issues with eyesight. He has been dealing with both strabismus, which affects eye alignment, and coloboma, a genetic condition leading to light sensitivity, for a long time. This could possibly cause a lack of depth perception. Now imagine trying to stay in sync with your partner when the perception is distorted.

Additionally, it is not just the depth perception. As the world has witnessed many times before, the dance floor of DWTS is one with a plethora of bright lights. Lights that could potentially make it difficult for Stephen to see. But a mere 24 points cannot dishearten Stephen. As he himself puts it, “It kind of stinks to hear it creep back up, but… I’m blessed to have another week to learn.” Right on, Stephen, the netizens are with you!

One of the fans went on to suggest probable solutions. “I think he needs a slow dance to really find his groove. I am concerned because now it’s week 7, and the chances of him going to the finals based on technique are slim. If his trajectory stays, he’ll only get maybe 4th based on fan base,” wrote a fan. It is true, with each week passing. The numbers are lowering, and a mishap in the routine and timing is not something Stephen and Rylee can afford.

While Stephen’s athleticism saved the show during week five, there is no more time to let his dance slip through his fingers. While the fandom seems to be the issues he could be dancing and the challenges that Rylee clearly has, they continue to expect great things from the duo that is walking the tightrope of consistency.