Former pro Maks Chmerkovskiy questions his ballroom credentials; Ravnik responds diplomatically
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour dancer Jan Ravnik has found himself in the middle of controversy after joining the latest season of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) as a professional dancer.
Ravnik, who gained fame for his performances on Swift’s global tour, faced criticism from former DWTS professional Maks Chmerkovskiy, who called his casting “absurd.”
Criticism over ballroom experience
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Chmerkovskiy questioned the show’s decision to cast Ravnik, arguing that the Slovenian dancer lacks a classical ballroom foundation necessary for mentoring celebrity contestants.
“There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership,” said Chmerkovskiy. “It’s not personal—it’s about professional standards and what’s expected of a DWTS pro.”
Chmerkovskiy’s remarks quickly sparked debate across social media, with some fans agreeing that DWTS should prioritize traditional ballroom credentials, while others defended Ravnik’s broader dance experience and global acclaim.
Ravnik’s calm response
In response to the controversy, Jan Ravnik took a diplomatic route. He first posted a subtle message on Instagram featuring a lyric from Taylor Swift’s music — a likely nod to staying graceful amid criticism.
Later, when approached by entertainment reporters, Ravnik stated that he had “no comment” on Chmerkovskiy’s remarks, adding that he prefers not to engage with negativity from people “trying to stay relevant.”
Despite the tension, Ravnik has continued rehearsals with his celebrity partner, Jen Affleck, for the current season.
Debate reignites over DWTS casting criteria
The incident has reignited a long-running debate about Dancing With the Stars’ casting approach — whether the show’s focus should remain on technical dance expertise or shift more toward entertainment value and fan recognition.
Ravnik, known for his high-energy choreography and stage charisma, represents a growing trend of DWTS introducing performers from diverse dance disciplines, expanding beyond the show’s traditional ballroom scope.
As the season progresses, both fans and critics are watching closely to see if Ravnik’s unique style and showmanship can silence detractors — and perhaps redefine what it means to be a “professional dancer” in today’s entertainment-driven landscape.
