Exploring the ‘VPR’ Stars' Enthusiasm for Joining ‘DWTS’: Insights from Scheana to Sandoval

Breaking Down the VPR Casts Extensive Interest in Appearing on DWTS From Scheana to Sandoval

Scheana Shay, Tom Sandoval. Gizelle Hernandez/Bravo(2)

The Vanderpump Rules cast is already successful on their hit series, but some of them were interested in another opportunity - the chance to compete on Dancing With the Stars.

When Vanderpump Rules first aired in 2013, viewers got to know the staff at Lisa Vanderpump's SUR restaurant in West Hollywood, including Stassi Schroeder, Jax Taylor, Kristen Doute, Tom Sandoval, and Scheana Shay. The Bravo show helped launch the cast to fame, marking the beginning of their journey to success.

The franchise saw a surge in popularity in 2023 when it was revealed that Ariana Madix and Sandoval had split due to an affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss. This news led to Ariana receiving numerous job offers, including an opportunity to compete on Dancing With the Stars.

However, not everyone was quick to celebrate Ariana's success. Season 11 brought a surprise when Scheana shared her own longstanding connection to DWTS, catching both the cast and fans off guard.

I started taking dance classes this year. I was getting ready just in case I got the opportunity. It was really disappointing when I didn't get it," Scheana shared with Lisa on an episode of Vanderpump Rules in March 2024. "I'm genuinely happy for her, but it's also okay for me to feel a little sad too."

Ariana later explained why she didn't inform Scheana about the opportunity earlier.

She mentioned on the Vanderpump Rules After Show that she only confided in Logan Cochran and her team who were working on the project. Despite the fear of early information leakage affecting their work, she was relieved to hear from the head producer that keeping it under wraps was the right decision.

During the discussion on screen, Ariana and Scheana tried to reconcile their views on the subject. Meanwhile, Sandoval disclosed that he was equally eager to participate in DWTS like his fellow cast members.

Keep scrolling to see the unexpected Vanderpump Rules to Dancing With the Stars pipeline:

Lisa Vandepump

Breaking Down the VPR Casts Extensive Interest in Appearing on DWTS From Scheana to Sandoval

Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Race To Erase MS

After appearing on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules, Lisa Vanderpump decided to take on a new challenge by joining season 16 of Dancing with the Stars. Unfortunately, during a practice session with her partner Gleb Savchenko, she fainted and was ultimately eliminated from the competition.

Despite her brief stint on DWTS, Lisa's passion for the show remained strong. In fact, she made a special appearance to cheer on Ariana when she competed on the show a decade later.

Ariana Madix

During a December 2023 episode of DWTS, Lisa expressed her surprise at Ariana's incredible abilities, telling cohost Alfonso Ribeiro, "I never knew she was capable of anything so magnificent. I've watched every week and it's brought tears to my eyes. Good luck, Ariana."

Breaking Down the VPR Casts Extensive Interest in Appearing on DWTS From Scheana to Sandoval

ABC/Andrew Eccles

After her breakup with Sandoval, Ariana was presented with numerous professional opportunities. One of these opportunities was the chance to join the cast of DWTS. During season 32, Ariana was paired with Pasha Pashkov and managed to secure third place in the competition.

In an exclusive interview with We in October 2023, Ariana shared that she was thoroughly enjoying her time on the show. She expressed her happiness by saying, "If I could dance and perform every day for the rest of my life, I'd be content. I find it incredibly rewarding and enjoyable."

Scheana Shay

Breaking Down the VPR Casts Extensive Interest in Appearing on DWTS From Scheana to Sandoval

Gizelle Hernandez/Bravo

Season 11 of Vanderpump Rules showed Scheana getting emotional about many things — including her missing out on DWTS.

"Even though she got Dancing With the Stars, she knew how much I wanted that. I told her, 'I am genuinely happy for you. I'll be there every Monday that you want me there,'" she shared with Lala Kent in a March 2024 episode. "She truly deserves all the success she's experiencing now, and I'm thrilled she didn't spiral into darkness. But I'm still hurting."

Scheana expressed, "Why can't I have a moment where it's about me? I'm hurting. I lost a dear friend. I'm struggling with that. But I'm not allowed to feel anything because it's all about Ariana. I'm exhausted."

Scheana made a seemingly snide comment in a confessional, saying, “And, like, good for [Ariana]. She has come such a long way from being my backup dancer.”

Ariana addressed the drama on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, mentioning that her involvement with DWTS opened up opportunities for her costars. Scheana later clarified the point she was trying to make on screen.

She clarified her statement on the "Scheananigans" podcast, stating that it was meant as a joke and not as shade. "I often feel that when I am self-deprecating, it doesn't land well," she added.

Tom Sandoval

Breaking Down the VPR Casts Extensive Interest in Appearing on DWTS From Scheana to Sandoval

Gizelle Hernandez/Bravo

During a recent episode of the Vanderpump Rules After Show in March 2024, Sandoval mentioned his interest in DWTS, taking inspiration from Scheana.

He shared, "I actually took ballroom lessons and everything. Being offered a spot on DWTS has always been a dream of mine. I've been working towards this goal for years, like training with a ninja sword signed by Randy Jackson."

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the aspirations and experiences of "Vanderpump Rules" cast members who have pursued opportunities on "Dancing With the Stars." While some have achieved success on the dance floor, others have faced disappointment. The article captures the complex emotions and dynamics within the cast as they navigate their personal and professional journeys. It showcases the intersection between reality television and the entertainment industry, where fame and opportunities can both uplift and challenge individuals.

Scheana Shay's emotional reaction to Ariana Madix's success on DWTS reveals the underlying struggles and desires of the cast members. Scheana's longing for a similar opportunity and her feeling of being overlooked adds a layer of depth to her character. Her comments about Ariana's transformation from "backup dancer" to DWTS star hint at the competitive nature of the entertainment industry and the pressure to constantly prove oneself. Tom Sandoval's aspiration to participate in DWTS further emphasizes the allure of the competition and the desire for recognition. The article offers a glimpse into the personal aspirations and professional challenges faced by these reality stars, providing a nuanced understanding of their experiences.