Jan Ravnik, a Slovenian dancer known for performing on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, is facing criticism after being selected as a professional dancer on the latest season of Dancing With the Stars. The debate began when former DWTS pro Maks Chmerkovskiy questioned whether Ravnik has the ballroom experience needed to guide celebrity contestants.
Chmerkovskiy said that professional dancers on the show should have strong ballroom training, as they are responsible for teaching partners who are often beginners. He argued that Ravnik’s background in commercial and stage performance may not provide the foundation required for ballroom styles.
Ravnik, who is currently partnered with celebrity contestant Jen Affleck, responded indirectly at first by sharing a lyric from a Taylor Swift song on social media. When later asked about the criticism, he said he had “no comment,” but added that some negativity comes from “people trying to stay relevant.”
The casting has sparked wider conversation among fans and dance professionals about how the show chooses its pros. Some argue that DWTS has shifted toward favoring dancers with global recognition and social media influence, while others believe ballroom expertise should remain the main priority.
As the season continues, many viewers will be watching closely to see whether Ravnik’s performances can change opinions and show that dancers from non-ballroom backgrounds can succeed on the DWTS stage.
