The hullabaloo around Stephen Nedoroscik and his dance partner, Rylee Arnold, since week one has been on a rollercoaster that only goes up! Week four was a clanger of the best kind. The duo went on to perform to Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again,” where they came in with perhaps one of their best routines. And it was sure rewarded! The two scored their highest score yet with a 32/40. Just as the dust begins to settle on the excitements of yesterday, Stephen has already gotten the spirals of speculation going with his special ode in Week 5!

Stephen recently took it to Instagram and announced to the world that his upcoming performance was an ode to something he holds dear. The men’s gymnastics and this dedication are not without reason. “This week, I’m dedicating my dance to men’s gymnastics,” he revealed. “It’s a dying sport in the United States, especially with the NCAA being our biggest funneling system into the Olympics.” The next episode for Stephen is not just about dancing but using the platform that attracts millions of viewers to turn their attention to something more pressing!

Men’s gymnastics, over the years, has faced many issues. Especially with NCAA programs being cut and scholarships going down. The trend is one that threatens the very future of the sport. And this has been the trend despite the greats like Simone Biles being at the top and bringing in medals for the United States. As one fan rightly put it, “Stephen, you are right about men’s gymnastics. Unfortunately, it’s been going on for years. I hope this dance brings more attention to the cause.” Since this has been going on for years, why is Stephen Nedoroscik suddenly taking a stand?

Something monumental has finally happened for gymnastics. As Stephen himself puts it, “We want to see this sport grow. We just got our first team medal in 16 years, which is extremely monumental to us. This is a time for men’s gymnastics to grow in the country again. I really want this dance to represent how much it means to me.” And how does he plan on doing it? Rylee Arnold and Stephen are hitting the floor with some Argentine tango. The two plan on blending artistry and advocacy in the best way possible! While the idealism and goal are great, why choose DWTS of all places?

Well, the answers lie in the ever-so-telling numbers of viewership stats. The premiere alone of Season 33 attracted 4.97 million viewers! This is a paradigm increase from the previous, with the main ascension coming from the 18-49 demographic! The exact demographic Stephen Nedoroscik needs to be reaching to put across his message about men’s gymnastics. This message also comes in at a time when the sport’s relevance and survival hang in the balance.

As one fan rightly pointed out, “We need more men’s NCAA programs!” He isn’t alone in feeling this way. It is, in fact, a popular sentiment amongst the gymnastics community. Over the last decade, the gender gap in gymnastics has been a cause of concern. In the 2023-24 season, 12,000 men participated in gymnastics, while 138,000 women took part.

Surprisingly, the number of men in 2014 was higher, with 15,000 participating. It is evident that the disparity is growing. If you thought the dedication to the cause was stressful, hold your breath. Because Rylee Arnold and Stephen Nedoroscik had a special guest visit them. You know, just to turn the heat up!

Bruno Tonioli arrives at DWTS with some advice for Stephen Nedoroscik & Co.!

As Stephen and Rylee came to terms with the larger significance of what they were about to do, in came Bruno Tonioli, one of the judges on DWTS! He dropped by to give the duo some tips before the next round. In a story posted by DWTS’s Instagram page, Bruno was seen telling the two to focus on “musicality” and “those shoulders”! This had brought in a whole new layer of excitement for the netizens.

As one fan aptly put it, “As chaotic and out of pocket as Bruno tends to be, he also genuinely wants to see the contestants succeed.” And that just might be the energy that Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold need to unlock their potential before the big moment.

Stephen’s Olympic-level dedication, combined with Bruno’s guidance, there is no limit to how far this performance could go. The significance that has started the buzz, however, isn’t the performative theatrics. In the last few weeks, fans have noticed that Bruno has developed a particular interest in Stephen—often even giving useful critique that goes beyond the wayside of dance floors.

“Bruno gets weirdly serious giving Stephen and Rylee critiques, which I think is both fascinating and endearing,” another fan added. As the two continue to push the boundaries of their comfort zone, this rapport with Bruno might help them to be on their way to winning DWTS! While another fan, adding to the idea of the duo winning, said, “I feel like a little swagger would definitely improve Stephen’s performances, and I think Bruno is just the judge to help with that!”

While gymnastics remains a more poised stage with limitations to movement, the dance floor is a whole other game. It takes real strength to bring swagger into the mix after being used to composed performances. But Stephen seems to be handling it all as he walks into week 5. The next episode set to air on October 15th might just be his best yet!