Amidst a wave of pointed criticism from former pro Maks Chmerkovskiy, Dancing With the Stars newcomers Jan Ravnik and Rylee Arnold shared a poignant backstage moment during Halloween Night, seemingly bonding over the pressure and harsh judgments cast upon their inaugural season performances.
The world of Dancing With the Stars is known for its dazzling performances, emotional journeys, and, occasionally, its intense backstage drama. Recently, a specific incident involving former pro Maks Chmerkovskiy and current pros Jan Ravnik and Rylee Arnold ignited significant discussion among fans, highlighting the ongoing tensions between seasoned veterans and fresh talent on the show.
The Backstage TikTok Moment: A Subtle Dig and Unifying Laughter
The incident unfolded during Dancing With the Stars’ Halloween Night episode on Tuesday, October 28. In a backstage TikTok interview, fellow pro Brandon Armstrong, 31, and Rylee Arnold, 20, spoke with Jan Ravnik, 30, about his candid TikTok Live videos. Armstrong noted that Ravnik’s “lives have become iconic” and were “unhinged,” prompting Arnold to add, “They’re very funny, I find enjoyment in them.”
Ravnik then delivered a seemingly subtle but impactful jab, stating, “There’s no hate in my TikToks. I’m not like some other people.” This comment immediately resonated with Arnold, who placed a comforting hand on Ravnik’s shoulder and assured him, “It’s OK, we can do this together.” The two then shared a laugh, solidifying their bond in a moment that quickly went viral within the fan community.
Maks Chmerkovskiy’s Unfiltered Critique
Ravnik’s comment was widely interpreted as a direct response to harsh criticism leveled by former DWTS pro Maks Chmerkovskiy, 45, just days prior. During the Friday, October 24, episode of his wife Peta Murgatroyd’s “Penthouse With Peta” podcast, Chmerkovskiy had not held back his opinions on Ravnik’s debut season.
According to Us Magazine, Chmerkovskiy stated, “Jan has absolutely no business” as a DWTS pro, elaborating, “There’s zero foundation technique, quality, understanding of the partnership. Bro, I’m getting emotional. It is absurd, and this is unreal how blind we have to be and God forbid say what’s obviously there.” He specifically criticized Ravnik and his partner Jen Affleck’s foxtrot from the previous week’s Wicked Night, claiming Ravnik had “no idea” what the dance entailed.
Chmerkovskiy’s criticism wasn’t exclusive to Ravnik. He also targeted Rylee Arnold, though he maintained it wasn’t a “dig.” During the podcast, as reported by Yahoo Entertainment, Chmerkovskiy remarked that it was Arnold’s “unfulfilled job to create ‘spectacular’ performances with partner Scott Hoying.” He suggested Hoying was “completely undertaught” and that Arnold, while knowing “what cleaning means,” had spent “too much time over choreographing the situation” instead of focusing on fundamental teaching.
The Impact: Eliminations and Public Reflection
Despite the backstage camaraderie and fan support, Jan Ravnik and his partner Jen Affleck were eliminated on Halloween Night after their contemporary dance to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” scored 32 out of 40. Following her elimination, Affleck, 26, reflected positively on her DWTS journey, stating, “This experience has meant everything to me, I cannot wait to talk about this in the future with my kids.”
Rylee Arnold and her partner Scott Hoying had already been eliminated at the end of Wicked Night, the same week Chmerkovskiy’s comments about their partnership surfaced. This sequence of events only amplified the fan discussion around Chmerkovskiy’s critiques and the pressure on new professionals.
Jan Ravnik’s Philosophy on Handling Criticism
In a post-show interview, Jan Ravnik addressed the controversy surrounding Maks Chmerkovskiy’s claims directly but calmly. He stated he had “no comment” on the specifics of Chmerkovskiy’s assertions regarding his ballroom training. Instead, Ravnik chose to focus on the overwhelming positive support he received from his peers and the judges.
“I got all the love on this show — all the pros, from the judges also. Everyone gave me so much love,” Ravnik shared. He then articulated his stance on negativity: “Whoever is…outside, trying to stay relevant and spreading the hate — this is not the way to do it. And I never will spread or take the hate.” This response underscored a maturity and focus on community, aligning with the narrative of solidarity that he and Arnold displayed.
Fan Reactions and the ‘Old Guard’ vs. ‘New Blood’ Debate
The exchange between Ravnik, Arnold, and Chmerkovskiy quickly became a focal point for the DWTS fan community. Many viewers rallied behind the newer pros, perceiving Chmerkovskiy’s comments as overly harsh and potentially out of touch with the show’s current format and evolution. Fans often highlighted the immense pressure new professionals face, especially when stepping into such a high-profile role.
This dynamic reignited a long-standing debate within the DWTS fandom: the tension between the “old guard” of traditional ballroom dancers and the “new blood” bringing fresh styles and contemporary approaches to the competition. The bonding moment between Ravnik and Arnold resonated deeply, symbolizing a united front against external scrutiny and a shared understanding of the challenges of their positions.
Broader Implications for Dancing With the Stars
The controversy surrounding Maks Chmerkovskiy’s remarks and the subsequent reactions from Jan Ravnik and Rylee Arnold underscore several key aspects of Dancing With the Stars. It highlights the passion and sometimes fierce opinions within the professional dance world, particularly concerning technique and teaching methodologies. For the audience, it creates a compelling narrative beyond the dance floor, allowing them to connect with the pros on a more personal, empathetic level.
Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder that while constructive criticism is part of any competitive environment, the spirit of camaraderie and mutual support, especially among those navigating the demanding world of live television, remains a powerful and unifying force.
