A new storm has hit the Dancing With the Stars ballroom as veteran pros Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy blast Taylor Swift‘s former backup dancer, Jan Ravnik, for allegedly lacking fundamental ballroom skills, putting his celebrity partner Jen Affleck at a disadvantage.
The glittery world of Dancing With the Stars is known for its dazzling performances and fierce competition, but Season 34 has sparked an unexpected debate off the dance floor. Two of the show’s most iconic former professional dancers, Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, have publicly voiced strong criticisms regarding the show’s newest pro, Jan Ravnik. Their comments highlight a growing tension between traditional ballroom expertise and the show’s evolving casting choices.
Who is Jan Ravnik? The New Pro Under Scrutiny
Jan Ravnik, 30, made his debut as a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars Season 34. Before joining the prestigious ballroom competition, Ravnik gained significant acclaim as a background dancer for pop superstar Taylor Swift during her record-breaking Eras Tour. His vibrant stage presence and charisma have undeniably garnered a fan following, but his transition to professional ballroom has proven to be a contentious point for some seasoned veterans.
For Season 34, Ravnik was paired with Jen Affleck, star of the popular reality television show Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. While his on-stage energy is palpable, the core of the criticism revolves around his fundamental grasp of traditional ballroom techniques, a cornerstone of the DWTS format.
The Ballroom Icons Speak Out: Murgatroyd and Chmerkovskiy Unfiltered
The controversy ignited during an episode of Peta Murgatroyd‘s podcast, The Penthouse With Peta, where she was joined by her husband and fellow DWTS legend, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Their discussion quickly turned to Jan Ravnik‘s performance and his suitability as a professional instructor on the show.
Peta Murgatroyd, 39, expressed her empathy but ultimately her concern for Jen Affleck‘s journey. “Jen has a major disadvantage,” Murgatroyd stated, elaborating, “She’s not getting taught the base of the dance. He is a Taylor Swift dancer, which is the obvious reason why they hired him. Hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach a celebrity ballroom dance is outrageous,” as reported by AOL. While acknowledging Ravnik‘s rookie status, she conceded, “He’s learning slowly… It’s his first season. I have to give him grace for not understanding Foxtrot technique. It’s very hard to watch.”
However, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, 45, known for his direct and uncompromising critiques, did not share his wife’s patience. “You do not have to give him grace,” he bluntly retorted. “Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars. There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership. It is absurd. This is unreal — how blind we have to be to not say what’s obviously there,” he emphasized during the podcast, an excerpt of which can be found on YouTube.
Chmerkovskiy specifically targeted Ravnik and Affleck‘s Foxtrot performance during “Wicked Night.” He questioned, “He had no idea what foxtrot is supposed to look like. How are you going to expect him to teach it and deliver that message in a format that is completely different from even ballroom dancing?”
The Celebrity Partner’s Disadvantage
Both Murgatroyd and Chmerkovskiy were clear that their criticism wasn’t directed at Jan Ravnik personally, but rather at the casting decision itself. “It’s not Jan’s fault,” Chmerkovskiy conceded. “He’s doing what he was hired to do. I have zero against him whatsoever. [But Affleck] has no partner. It’s not his fault,” according to Parade.
The sentiment is that Jen Affleck is at a significant disadvantage because she isn’t receiving the foundational ballroom training that other celebrities receive from their traditionally trained professional partners. The lack of basic technique could hinder her progress and prevent her from reaching her full potential in the competition, regardless of fan support.
Beyond the Ballroom Floor: Casting Implications and Fan Debate
The controversy surrounding Jan Ravnik‘s casting highlights a broader conversation within the Dancing With the Stars community. The show has often integrated professionals from diverse dance backgrounds, but the core expectation has always been a strong foundation in ballroom and Latin dance styles. The decision to hire a performer primarily known for contemporary and pop-style choreography, reportedly for his association with Taylor Swift, raises questions about the show’s priorities.
While some fans have been impressed by Ravnik‘s stage presence and energy, others echo the pros’ concerns, debating whether charisma can compensate for a lack of specialized training in a technical competition like DWTS. The discussion touches upon the integrity of the competition and the fairness to celebrity contestants who rely on their professional partners for proper instruction.
The Path Forward for Dancing With the Stars
As Dancing With the Stars Season 34 continues, all eyes will be on Jan Ravnik and Jen Affleck. The show airs on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes available to stream on Hulu the following day. It remains to be seen how far fan support can carry the duo, especially given the public critique from such esteemed figures in the ballroom world.
The debate ignited by Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy may prompt producers to re-evaluate their casting criteria for professional dancers in future seasons. Ensuring a balance between star power, entertainment value, and genuine ballroom expertise will be crucial for maintaining the show’s credibility and the trust of its dedicated fanbase.
