- Former “Dancing With the Stars” pros Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd have publicly criticized the casting of Jan Ravnik as a pro on the show.
- Chmerkovskiy bluntly stated that Ravnik, a backup dancer for Taylor Swift, has “absolutely no business being a pro,” citing a complete lack of ballroom foundation and technique.
- The couple argues that Ravnik’s high-profile role on the Eras Tour is the “obvious reason” for his hiring, not his ballroom dancing qualifications.
- Murgatroyd labeled the decision “outrageous,” expressing concern that Ravnik’s celebrity partner, Jen Affleck, is being put at a significant disadvantage.
DWTS Icons Slam Taylor Swift Dancer’s Casting
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the “Dancing With the Stars” community, beloved former pros Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd are not holding back their harsh critique of the show’s newest professional dancer, Jan Ravnik. On a recent episode of Murgatroyd’s podcast, “The Penthouse With Peta,” the married couple bluntly questioned the decision to cast the Taylor Swift Eras Tour dancer, arguing he is fundamentally unqualified for the role.
“Absolutely No Business Being a Pro”
Chmerkovskiy delivered a scathing assessment of Ravnik’s abilities, leaving no room for interpretation. “Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars,” he stated frankly. “There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership.”
He passionately rejected the idea that Ravnik should be given “grace” for his first season, adding, “It is absurd. It’s unreal how blind we have to be… He had no idea what the foxtrot is supposed to look like. How are you going to expect him to teach it?”
The Swift Factor: Hired for Hype?
Both Chmerkovskiy and Murgatroyd believe Ravnik’s casting is a clear case of prioritizing celebrity association over dance expertise. After nearly two years on one of the world’s biggest tours, his connection to Taylor Swift is undeniable, but the DWTS veterans argue it doesn’t translate to the ballroom.
“He’s a Taylor Swift dancer, it’s the obvious reason why he was hired,” Murgatroyd said, before adding, “apart from that, he’s a lovely guy, he looks great, he’s a great dancer.” However, she quickly clarified her main issue: “Hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job is outrageous.”
Concerns for His Celebrity Partner
The couple’s criticism also extended to the potential impact on Ravnik’s celebrity partner, Jen Affleck of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Murgatroyd expressed her sympathy for Affleck, who recently advanced to the next round with Ravnik.
“I feel bad, because she’s not getting taught the basics that she needs to,” she explained, suggesting Affleck is at a disadvantage compared to other contestants with seasoned ballroom pros.
A New Pro’s Ambition Amid Controversy
Despite the brewing controversy, Ravnik has expressed nothing but excitement since his casting was announced. Fresh off the global Eras Tour, he shared a video statement on “Good Morning America,” declaring, “Mirrorball never goes out of style, and we are ready to win it.” As the 34th season of DWTS continues, the debate over his qualifications rages on, pitting the show’s casting decisions against the stringent standards of its most seasoned veterans.
Image Referance: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/former-dancing-stars-pros-taylor-214754027.html