In the wake of his Dancing with the Stars elimination, Jan Ravnik strategically sidestepped direct engagement with Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s harsh critique, choosing instead to address ‘those trying to stay relevant’ and affirming his commitment to positivity amidst the show’s love.
The ballroom of Dancing with the Stars is known for its intense competition, emotional performances, and sometimes, its dramatic clashes. The most recent stir in the DWTS community centers around new pro Jan Ravnik and veteran pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Following his elimination from Season 34 alongside celebrity partner Jen Affleck, Ravnik addressed Chmerkovskiy’s pointed criticisms regarding his qualifications, opting for a measured yet firm stance that resonated with many fans.
The Spark: Chmerkovskiy’s Controversial Critique
The controversy ignited just days before Ravnik’s elimination. On Friday, October 24, Maksim Chmerkovskiy joined his wife, fellow DWTS pro Peta Murgatroyd, on her podcast, The Penthouse with Peta. During their discussion about the show’s “Wicked night,” Chmerkovskiy, a Mirrorball trophy winner with 17 seasons under his belt, unleashed a candid opinion on Ravnik’s presence on the show.
He asserted that Ravnik, widely known as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, had “absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing with the Stars.” Chmerkovskiy’s critique highlighted specific areas he felt Ravnik lacked:
- Zero foundation
- Zero technique
- Zero quality
- Zero understanding of the partnership
He expressed disbelief, stating, “It is absurd… This is unreal, how blind we have to be, and, God forbid, say what’s obviously there — he had no idea what [a] foxtrot is supposed to look like.” Murgatroyd echoed his sentiments, suggesting Ravnik’s background as a Swift dancer was the “obvious reason why he is hired,” and calling the hiring of a “non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job outrageous.”
Ravnik’s Calculated Response: Shaking Off the Hate
After his elimination with Jen Affleck on Tuesday, October 28, following a Halloween Night performance, Jan Ravnik was asked about Chmerkovskiy’s comments. His response was both diplomatic and direct. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the 30-year-old dancer initially offered a simple “no comment on that.”
However, he quickly pivoted to his experience on the show, emphasizing the positive reception he had received. “Look, I got all the love on this show,” Ravnik stated. “All the praise from the judges also, like everyone gave me so much love.” He then delivered a clear message to his detractors, without explicitly naming Chmerkovskiy:
“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.” He also told People that “haters [are] going to hate and whoever loves us, loves us… If they want to stay relevant in that way, yeah, let them hate.” This approach resonated with many viewers, showcasing a focus on personal experience and a refusal to engage in negativity.
A Partner’s Loyalty: Jen Affleck’s Stand
Throughout the journey, Ravnik’s partner, Jen Affleck, proved to be a staunch supporter. After Ravnik brushed off the negative critiques, Affleck, 26, threw up fists playfully, joking for him to “hold me back.” Her support extended to their final performance, a contemporary dance set to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do.”
Affleck openly shared her inspiration for the routine. “I think throughout this journey we’ve had a lot of people just doubt us,” she explained. “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. 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.” This powerful message of resilience transformed the performance into a defiant statement against the criticism they faced.
The Broader DWTS Debate: Tradition vs. New Talent
The exchange between Chmerkovskiy and Ravnik isn’t just about personal differences; it touches upon a long-standing debate within the Dancing with the Stars community. The show has, at times, faced scrutiny for its casting choices, balancing the demand for traditional ballroom expertise with the appeal of bringing in popular dancers from other genres, like Ravnik’s contemporary and pop background with Taylor Swift.
Veteran pros like Chmerkovskiy often champion the rigorous training and foundational knowledge of ballroom. Meanwhile, the show’s producers might aim to attract new audiences and introduce different dance styles by diversifying its professional roster. This creates a tension between upholding the classic standards of ballroom and evolving to embrace broader dance talents and celebrity connections. Ravnik’s casting, and Chmerkovskiy’s strong reaction, highlight this ongoing discussion about the true essence and future direction of the show.
Looking Ahead: Ravnik’s Future and DWTS Legacy
Despite the criticism, Jan Ravnik expressed profound happiness and gratitude for his experience on DWTS. He praised Jen Affleck as “the best partner in the show” and highlighted the supportive atmosphere among all contestants, production, and fellow pros. “It was a great experience. It was different. It was a lot of love inside the show,” he reflected.
This controversy sparks an important conversation for DWTS fans: how much weight should be given to pure ballroom technique versus broader dance versatility and star power? Ravnik’s journey, though cut short, has undoubtedly opened up this discussion, potentially influencing future casting decisions and the criteria for what truly defines a “pro” on the show. As Season 34 continues to air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET and PT on ABC, with episodes streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, the ripple effects of this debate are likely to be felt for seasons to come.
