New Dancing with the Stars pro Jan Ravnik, fresh off Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, has defiantly responded to scathing criticism from former pro Maks Chmerkovskiy by channeling Swift’s ‘Reputation’ era, setting the stage for a memorable Halloween Night performance and sparking fervent fan discussion.
The world of Dancing with the Stars is rarely without its drama, but the latest controversy involving new pro Jan Ravnik, known for his dynamic performances on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, has sparked a fervent debate among fans and former cast members alike. At the heart of the matter are pointed criticisms from ballroom veteran Maks Chmerkovskiy, to which Ravnik has responded with a distinct flair, invoking the defiant spirit of Swift’s ‘Reputation’ era.
The Ballroom Battle: Chmerkovskiy’s Scathing Critique
The controversy ignited during the October 24 episode of Maks Chmerkovskiy and his wife Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast, “The Penthouse with Peta.” Chmerkovskiy, a seasoned pro with 17 seasons under his belt, held nothing back when discussing Jan Ravnik’s casting on DWTS.
He labeled Ravnik’s casting “absurd” and asserted that the 30-year-old dancer has “absolutely no business being a pro” on the show, according to reports from USA Today. Chmerkovskiy elaborated on his strong stance, stating, “There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership.” He became “emotional” discussing the topic, questioning how someone with a different dance background could effectively teach ballroom techniques.
Peta Murgatroyd, while acknowledging Ravnik is “learning,” echoed some of her husband’s concerns. She suggested that Ravnik’s “obvious” connection to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was the primary reason for his hiring. Murgatroyd candidly stated, “Hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job is outrageous.”
Jan Ravnik’s Swiftian Strike Back
In a move that delighted Taylor Swift fans and ignited social media, Jan Ravnik seemed to directly address the criticism with a powerful lyric from Swift’s 2017 hit, “Look What You Made Me Do.” On October 28, Ravnik shared a photo on his Instagram stories featuring himself and his partner, Jen Affleck, during a DWTS rehearsal. Over the image, he quoted the iconic line: “I’ll be the actress starring in your bad dreams.”
The song choice was particularly poignant, as Ravnik and Affleck were set to perform to “Look What You Made Me Do” for DWTS’s Halloween Night episode. The track, widely interpreted as Swift’s defiant response to public scrutiny, served as a potent, non-verbal clap back at his critics.
The Significance of ‘Look What You Made Me Do’
“Look What You Made Me Do,” a cornerstone of Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ album, is synonymous with resilience and reclaiming one’s narrative after public backlash. Its use by Jan Ravnik immediately resonated with fans who understood the underlying message of strength and defiance. The lyric, “I’ll be the actress starring in your bad dreams,” suggests an embrace of the antagonist role, turning criticism into a source of power.
Ravnik later clarified in an interview with Glamour magazine that the song choice was actually Jen Affleck’s idea. He initially suggested waiting to use Swift’s music to avoid accusations of seeking votes, but Affleck was insistent on the “Reputation” track for Halloween. Ravnik embraced its deeper meaning, noting, “You can use it now for all the haters.” Despite the public drama, Ravnik emphasized his desire to avoid social media negativity, confessing, “Do I have anxiety, still, every day? Absolutely.”
Jen Affleck’s Fierce Defense and Fan Support
Jan Ravnik’s partner, Jen Affleck, has been a staunch supporter amid the swirling controversy. Following the podcast remarks, Affleck posted a viral TikTok video captioned, “We don’t tolerate Jan slander in this house!” The video, featuring Affleck fervently typing on her phone, signaled her readiness to defend her partner against any negativity. Fellow pro Ezra Sosa also publicly declared his support, stating, “I’ll ride at dawn for this man,” highlighting the solidarity within the DWTS community.
Beyond the Ballroom: Inside the World of “Dancing with the Stars”
The debate surrounding Jan Ravnik’s casting also sheds light on the intricate behind-the-scenes workings of Dancing with the Stars, a show that blends professional ballroom artistry with celebrity appeal. Understanding these mechanics offers a richer context to the pressures and expectations faced by pros like Ravnik.
How DWTS Pros and Celebrities are Paired
The pairing process on DWTS is a closely guarded secret, with pros often having minimal input. According to former pro Lindsay Arnold on the “Hot Smart Rich” podcast, it’s typically a mandate of “here’s your partner. Make it work.” The show’s creators aim for a “genuine reaction” when partners first meet, often keeping the cast a secret even from the pros until the last minute, as detailed by Jenna Johnson on “The Morning After” podcast.
Former showrunner Rob Wade revealed in 2015 that pairings are based on several factors, including:
- Height and build compatibility
- Personality dynamics
- Overall compatibility to avoid “miserable experience[s]”
The Grueling DWTS Rehearsal Schedule
Life as a DWTS pro or celebrity demands immense dedication. Pro Rylee Arnold, who partnered with Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, shared on “The Lightweights” podcast that rehearsals are an intensive, daily affair. Pairs typically engage in four-hour sessions, often followed by additional work with producers, choreography planning, or studying dance videos.
The schedule is relentless:
- Tuesday: Show Day
- Wednesday to Sunday: Straight rehearsals
- Monday: Camera blocking
- Tuesday: Show Day again
This rigorous routine underscores the physical and mental stamina required, making the learning curve for a non-ballroom dancer like Ravnik particularly steep.
The Art of DWTS Costume Design
The dazzling costumes are integral to DWTS’s visual spectacle. Costume designer Daniela Gschwendtner explained to TV Insider that the department operates at a breakneck pace, with only five days to create all outfits for a given week. This involves collaboration with set and lighting designers to craft a cohesive story for each pair. Costumes are generally custom-made each week, ensuring a fresh and unique look for every performance.
Song Selection on DWTS
While the final choice is a collaboration with producers, pros often have significant input into the music for their routines. As pros Emma Slater and Britt Stewart revealed in a September 2025 Instagram video, dancers mostly get to pick the songs, allowing them to tailor performances to their celebrity partner’s strengths and the dance style.
What Do DWTS Pros and Celebrities Get Paid?
Financial details for DWTS participants are not publicly confirmed by ABC, but insights from former cast members offer a glimpse into the pay structure. Variety reported in 2019 that celebrities could earn $125,000 for the rehearsal period and the first two weeks, with potential earnings reaching up to $295,000. Season 27 winner Bobby Bones, however, claimed to have made nearly $400,000 by lasting through the season, with episode pay increasing significantly in later weeks.
For the professional dancers, pay is also tied to longevity. Pro Jenna Johnson explained on “The Morning After” podcast that while there isn’t a million-dollar prize for winning, making it to the finale guarantees payment for the entire season plus a bonus. Troupe members, however, earn significantly less, with Lindsay Arnold noting a more than 50% pay cut when she was demoted from pro to troupe member.
The Future of Jan Ravnik on DWTS
As Jan Ravnik and Jen Affleck navigate the demanding competition, the spotlight remains firmly on their performances and Ravnik’s unique journey from the global stage of the Eras Tour to the ballroom. His defiant use of Taylor Swift’s lyrics has not only served as a spirited response to criticism but has also endeared him to a legion of fans, eager to see how this new pro will continue to make his mark on Dancing with the Stars.
