It’s been nearly three years since “Dancing with the Stars” pro Lindsay Arnold announced her exit, and she hasn’t regretted it one bit.
In a new interview, the professional dancer who starred in the dance competition series for 10 seasons, opened up about her decision to leave the show at the height of finding mega fame and success.
Leaving Hollywood: A Choice of Heart Over Fame
“Dancing with the Stars” pro Lindsay Arnold doesn’t regret walking away from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, choosing instead the embrace of her family in Utah. After ten seasons filled with intense competition and success, her decision emerged from a profound shift in perspective. Arnold acknowledges the fleeting nature of time, particularly as a mother. She reflected, “My mindset shifted. Time goes 10 times faster when you have kids, and I just know that this time is so precious and something that you don’t get back.”
A New Chapter: Family, Fulfillment, and Freedom
Unfolding stories often reveal deeper truths, and Arnold’s journey is no exception. “I wanted a sense of accomplishment within the show knowing that, if we do have kids and I don’t come back, do I feel like I fulfilled what I hoped to do?” With two young daughters, Sage and June, she came to a peace that not only her accomplishments in entertainment mattered but how she invested her love and time in her family. The hustle of Los Angeles, with its relentless ambition, never truly appealed to her heart.
Expressing her honest sentiments, Arnold recalled her time spent in Southern California. “To be honest, I actually never, ever loved or embraced Hollywood in a sense of where I’d want to live.” Even amidst the exhilarating energy of the city, she found solace in the familiar simplicity of Utah. “I was always the pro that during the season breaks would sneak back to Utah to be with my family.” This connection to her roots stood central to her identity, an anchor she continues to cherish.
A Life Beyond the Spotlight: The Rise of an Influencer
Arnold’s move away from the camera has propelled her into a new role: that of a digital influencer. Embracing opportunities like workout tutorials and lifestyle vlogs, she reflects on the unknowns that lingered after leaving the show. “When I decided to step away from ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ I didn’t have this grand plan of, ‘OK, this is my career. This is where we’re going.’” The leap into social media brought its own challenges and joys, evoking both fear and excitement.
Capturing Authenticity: Community and Connection
Her journey has broadened, engaging a fresh community of followers who resonate with her authenticity. “At the time, I had a social media following for people who only watched me and followed me because of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ That was scary,” she admitted. “But it’s been so cool because every step of the way, by just truly being myself, sharing what I’m doing, it’s naturally evolved my career.” This candid connection has rendered profound rewards, transforming her social media presence from mere representation to vibrant engagement.
While she occasionally misses the camaraderie of the dance world, Arnold recognizes the price of success. “What I don’t miss is it is a full-on time commitment,” she reflected. Each challenge she faced in leaving the competitive reality show has shaped her joyful present. “It’s felt like a very natural progression for me, which I’m grateful for,” she confided, joyful that she has not regretted her decision at any juncture.
With each day, Lindsay Arnold’s authenticity shines brighter, illuminating her unique spirit amid the clamor of Hollywood. As new opportunities unfold in this fresh chapter, she remains tied to a simple truth—a mother’s love and presence is irreplaceable. Perhaps it’s a lesson in choosing oneself, a reminder of what truly matters amid the dazzling distractions of fame.
