Former pros say Jan Ravnik had “no business” being on Dancing With the Stars

Former DWTS pros criticise Jan Ravnik’s casting, citing lack of ballroom technique and foundation

Former professional dancers on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) have questioned the decision to cast Jan Ravnik as a pro in the show’s 34th season.

On The Penthouse With Peta podcast, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd shared doubts about the Taylor Swift tour performer’s ballroom credentials.

“Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars,” Chmerkovskiy said. “There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership.” Murgatroyd agreed, expressing concern for Ravnik’s celebrity partner, Jennifer Affleck of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

“I feel bad, because she’s not getting taught the basics that she needs,” she said, adding that hiring a non-ballroom dancer “to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job is outrageous.”

Ravnik, a Slovenian-born dancer who spent nearly two years on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, joined DWTS as a professional in August 2025.

He and Affleck advanced through several rounds before being eliminated in the show’s Halloween-themed episode. Following their exit, Ravnik commented: “She’s a rockstar, that’s all I’m gonna say.”

The debate over Ravnik’s casting has gained attention following his elimination from DWTS. While neither he nor the show’s producers have publicly addressed the criticism in detail, the discussion highlights ongoing tensions over the show’s balance between celebrity appeal and traditional dance expertise.