Lindsay Arnold’s Perspective on Utah’s Vibrant Mormon Dance Scene
Dancing With the Stars alum Lindsay Arnold is bringing new insights into the “intense” dance culture prevalent in Utah.
In a recent appearance on the “Hot Smart Rich” podcast, Arnold, 31, discussed why a significant number of notable ballroom dancers — particularly those who become pros on DWTS — have ties to Utah and the Mormon lifestyle.
“In Utah, it’s quite common for parents to encourage their children to engage in activities,” she shared. “It’s a prominent aspect of life here. Parents really commit to their kids and whatever they choose to pursue.”
Reflecting on her own upbringing, Arnold acknowledged that her parents “were really invested” in promoting her and her siblings’ passions “since it kept us out of trouble” after school. (Lindsay’s younger sister, Rylee Arnold, also became a DWTS pro.)
“The Mormon culture emphasizes the importance of keeping our kids on the right path, preventing them from getting into trouble or exploring risky avenues,” she continued. “Consequently, many parents enroll their kids in activities and support them wholeheartedly.”
Another reason? “The dance culture in Utah is incredibly vibrant, in a positive way,” Lindsay added. “Many of us from Utah have paved the way, allowing dancers and their parents to see what’s possible, making them more willing to invest time and money. Dance truly requires a full commitment.”
Lindsay made her television debut on So You Think You Can Dance in 2012 during season 9, joining DWTS a year later as one of the youngest professionals. She won a mirrorball trophy in 2017 with her season 25 partner Jordan Fisher. Lindsay’s last appearance on the show was during season 30 in 2021. (Rylee, on the other hand, competed on DWTS for the first time in 2023.)
The trend of Mormons in ballroom dance has intrigued fans — including Us — as more DWTS professionals celebrate their Utah roots. During season 33 last fall, there were eight dancers from Utah among both the professional and troupe levels, including Jenna Johnson, Witney Carson, and Ezra Sosa.
“The fact that they all come from the same studio is just INSANE,” Ezra remarked on a TikTok video posted by his sister Stephani Sosa in September 2024.
According to fellow pro Brandon Armstrong, there’s a straightforward reason why ballroom dance draws many young Mormons in Utah.
“There’s not much else to do,” he joked on the “Lightweights” podcast in October 2024. “If you think about our major cities, like Salt Lake, there’s not much there… You engage in sports, go to school, start dating young — people often marry at 19 or 20 — then you dance.”
