Ariana Madix is waltzing into a new chapter in her life.
The Vanderpump Rules star hit the ballroom floor for the first time during the season 32 premiere of Dancing With the Stars. And prior to completing her red-hot dance routine with partner Pasha Pashkov, the Bravo star reflected on the scandal surrounding her split from ex Tom Sandoval, who had a months-long affair with former costar Rachel “Raquel” Leviss.
“My life has been a rollercoaster in the past year,” Ariana said during the show’s pre-taped segment. “Everybody got to watch it all play out and my life blow up on television.”
But as Ariana—who has since moved on with Daniel Wai—noted, Scandoval “does not define” her.
“I just want to do something that is for me and positive,” she continued. “It’s time for me to stand on my own two feet. Feeling like you were a joke to your partner of nine years is devastating, but I want to show other women that you don’t have to let that hold you back.”