Following his elimination from Dancing With the Stars alongside partner Jen Affleck, pro dancer Jan Ravnik directly responded to scathing criticism from former pro Maks Chmerkovskiy, stating he has “no comment” on the specific remarks but advising those “trying to stay relevant” by spreading hate to find another way. Ravnik emphasized the love and support he received on the show, while Affleck revealed they channeled the negativity into their final performance.
The ballroom world of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) recently saw a heated exchange of opinions, as newcomer pro Jan Ravnik, known for his dynamic performances on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, faced sharp criticism from veteran Maks Chmerkovskiy. Following his elimination from DWTS season 34 on Halloween Night with celebrity partner Jen Affleck, Ravnik offered a measured yet firm response to the scrutiny surrounding his ballroom credentials.
The 30-year-old dancer, who captivated audiences with his unique style, made it clear that he’s choosing to rise above the negativity. When asked specifically about Chmerkovskiy’s remarks, Ravnik asserted, “I have no comment on that. Look, I got all the love on this show. All the praise from the judges also, like everyone gave me so much love.”
The “No Comment” and a Message for Critics
Ravnik’s response to the brewing drama was clear: he refuses to engage in a war of words. He told Entertainment Tonight, “Whoever is saying, outside, the people who [are] trying to stay relevant and spreading the hate, this is not a way to do it. And I never will spread or take the hate.” This powerful statement echoed his sentiments shared with Us Weekly, where he declared, “Haters [are] going to hate and whoever loves us, loves us.”
His partner, Jen Affleck, 26, showed immediate support for Ravnik’s stance. After he brushed off the negative critiques, she jokingly threw up fists and said, “Hold me back.” The sentiment was clear: their partnership was built on mutual respect and shared experience, not external negativity.
Maks Chmerkovskiy’s Fiery Critique of Ravnik’s Ballroom Credentials
The controversy ignited days before Ravnik’s elimination, when Maks Chmerkovskiy, 45, a former DWTS pro, made his candid opinions known on his wife Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast, “The Penthouse With Peta.” He unequivocally stated, “I’m sorry, Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars.”
Chmerkovskiy’s core argument centered on Ravnik’s perceived lack of traditional ballroom foundation and technique, specifically referencing their foxtrot during the October 21 Wicked Night episode. He claimed Ravnik “had no idea what [a] foxtrot is supposed to look like,” adding, “There’s zero foundation technique, quality, understanding of the partnership. Bro, I’m getting emotional. It is absurd.” He went on to call Ravnik’s casting a “missed opportunity” and a “major disadvantage” for Affleck, clarifying it was “not his fault” but a show casting issue, as reported by Us Weekly.
Peta Murgatroyd, 39, while acknowledging Ravnik as a “lovely guy” and “great dancer,” agreed that “hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job is outrageous.” This sentiment touches on a long-standing debate within the DWTS fan community about the show’s balance between professional ballroom expertise and broader dance forms or celebrity appeal in casting choices.
Jan Ravnik’s Journey: From Eras Tour to the Ballroom
Jan Ravnik’s unique background as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was explicitly cited by Murgatroyd as the “obvious reason why he is hired.” This high-profile experience undoubtedly brought significant attention to Ravnik’s DWTS debut. His previous work with Swift has been a key point of discussion among fans and media, highlighting his contemporary dance prowess as detailed by Yahoo Entertainment.
Despite the external noise, Ravnik expressed profound gratitude for his time on DWTS. “I was first worried who’s going to be my partner, and I got the best partner in the show,” he shared about Jen Affleck. He added, “It was different. It was a lot of love inside the show. Everyone’s so supportive. Also, all the contestant, all the production, the pros, everyone’s the best here. So it was a good experience.”
Jen Affleck: Fueling Performance with Negativity
Jen Affleck, star of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, also revealed how the criticism fueled her final performance—a contemporary dance set to Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do.” She candidly spoke about the journey: “I think throughout this journey we’ve had a lot of people just doubt us. There’s been a lot of just negativity, and with a lot of people doubting me, me being postpartum, I just kind of wanted to have a moment where I could just prove everyone wrong.”
Her strategy mirrored the very song they danced to: “And just like Taylor did in the song, or what she talks about is basically how she used her haters to fuel her, and that’s exactly what I did tonight.” The emotional performance clearly resonated with the couple, allowing them to conclude their DWTS run on a powerful and personal note, expressing gratitude for ending on a “Taylor Swift” song.
A Judge’s Subtle Nod of Approval
Even amid the backdrop of criticism, DWTS judge Derek Hough appeared to offer Ravnik a subtle but significant vote of confidence. After their final contemporary routine, Hough praised, “Jan, first of all, I want to tell you, my man, that you are doing a fantastic first season.” This public acknowledgment from a respected professional dancer and judge served as a poignant counterpoint to Chmerkovskiy’s harsh assessment.
The Enduring DWTS Casting Debate
The discussion surrounding Jan Ravnik’s casting and qualifications is not an isolated incident in the history of Dancing With the Stars. The show has often navigated the balance between strict ballroom technique and incorporating diverse dance backgrounds or celebrity appeal. This season’s debate between Chmerkovskiy and Ravnik’s supporters highlights the passionate opinions within the fan community about what constitutes a qualified “pro” on the show.
Ultimately, Jan Ravnik’s debut season was marked by both strong performances and contentious commentary. His decision to focus on the love and positive experience within the show, while subtly addressing his critics, reflects a resilient spirit that resonated deeply with his partner and many fans.
