Former Dancing With the Stars champion Maks Chmerkovskiy didn’t hold back on his wife’s podcast, expressing strong disapproval over the casting of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour dancer Jan Ravnik as a new pro, citing a lack of fundamental ballroom technique and calling the decision ‘absurd’ and ‘a missed opportunity’ for the show.
The ballroom community is abuzz following former Dancing With the Stars pro Maks Chmerkovskiy’s candid remarks regarding the show’s latest casting choice. Chmerkovskiy, known for his passionate and often outspoken opinions, recently voiced strong criticism of Jan Ravnik, a professional dancer primarily recognized for his work on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, being hired as a pro for DWTS Season 34.
The Core of the Controversy: Ballroom Technique vs. Pop Appeal
The controversy first erupted during an episode of Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast, The Penthouse With Peta, where Chmerkovskiy joined his wife, also a former DWTS pro. Murgatroyd suggested giving Ravnik “grace for not understanding foxtrot technique,” a sentiment Chmerkovskiy emphatically rejected. “No, we do not have to give him grace,” he stated on the podcast, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. He continued, “I’m sorry, Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing with the Stars. 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.”
Chmerkovskiy, who competed for 17 seasons on DWTS, highlighted Ravnik’s performance with celebrity partner Jen Affleck during the show’s Wicked Night as definitive proof. According to Chmerkovskiy, Ravnik “had no idea what foxtrot is supposed to look like,” questioning his ability to teach a dance form so different from his background. He described the performance as having “just [went] off the cliff.”
The Impact on Celebrity Partners and the Show’s Integrity
The debate extends beyond Ravnik’s individual skill. Peta Murgatroyd agreed with her husband, emphasizing the significant disadvantage faced by Affleck, star of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. “I feel bad because she’s not getting taught the basics that she needs to,” Murgatroyd explained. “She’s not getting taught the base of the dance.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the fan community, where the celebrity’s learning journey and growth are often central to the season’s narrative.
Both Chmerkovskiy and Murgatroyd clarified that their criticism is not directed at Ravnik personally. They acknowledge him as a “lovely guy” and a “great dancer” in his own right, but stress that the fault lies with the show’s casting decisions. “They hired him, babe. They did it,” Murgatroyd said, suggesting Ravnik’s connection to Taylor Swift was the “obvious reason” for his recruitment, as reported by People.com. She concluded that “hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job is outrageous.”
A Missed Opportunity for Development
Adding to her argument, Murgatroyd proposed an alternative path for dancers like Ravnik. She suggested he should have initially been part of the DWTS troupe, allowing him to gain foundational ballroom experience before being promoted to a professional role. “He should have learned, gone to ballroom classes,” she advised, indicating a structured pathway that honors the unique demands of competitive ballroom dancing within the show’s format.
Fan Perspective: Upholding Ballroom Standards
This controversy taps into a long-standing discussion among dedicated DWTS fans: the balance between star power and technical dance excellence. Many longtime viewers and dance enthusiasts share Chmerkovskiy’s passion for preserving the integrity of ballroom dance on the show. While the inclusion of diverse dance styles and backgrounds can bring fresh energy, the core identity of Dancing With the Stars has always been rooted in traditional ballroom and Latin disciplines.
The debate sparked by Chmerkovskiy’s comments reflects the audience’s desire for authenticity and high standards in choreography and teaching. For a show that aims to transform celebrities into ballroom dancers, the expertise of the professional partner is paramount. This incident serves as a reminder that for many, the “dancing” aspect of Dancing With the Stars remains its most critical element, and a strong foundation in ballroom is seen as non-negotiable for its professional educators.
The full discussion can be heard on Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast episode, available on YouTube, where Maks Chmerkovskiy shared his unfiltered thoughts on the casting decision. The Penthouse With Peta podcast continues to offer insider perspectives on the world of DWTS.
