Maks Chmerkovskiy Criticizes Dancing With the Stars Casting of Jan Ravnik: “No Business Being a Pro”

Maks Chmerkovskiy, the celebrated Latin ballroom dance champion and former professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), has publicly voiced strong criticism regarding the casting of Jan Ravnik as a professional dancer on the show’s 34th season.

Speaking candidly on his wife Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast, The Penthouse With Peta, Maks expressed disbelief and frustration at the decision to include Ravnik, a former backup dancer for pop icon Taylor Swift, as a pro partner on the long-running ABC dance competition.

The 45-year-old former DWTS pro did not mince words, stating, “I’m sorry, Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars.

” Maks’s critique centers on what he perceives as Ravnik’s lack of foundational ballroom technique, quality, and understanding of the crucial partnership dynamic essential to success on the show.

He elaborated, emphasizing that Jan’s choreography and execution during the recent “Wicked Night” episode demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of ballroom styles.

“He had no idea what foxtrot is supposed to look like,” Maks declared emphatically.

Maks’s comments were delivered with visible emotion, highlighting the depth of his conviction.

“Bro, I’m getting emotional,” he admitted, underscoring his disappointment at what he describes as a glaring oversight by the show’s casting team.

“It is absurd, and this is unreal how blind we have to be and God forbid say what’s obviously there.

” Maks took particular issue with the expectation placed upon Ravnik to teach ballroom dance techniques to his celebrity partner, Jen Affleck, star of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Maks questioned how Ravnik could effectively convey the nuances and fundamentals of ballroom dancing without a solid technical foundation himself.

“How are you going to expect him to teach it and deliver that message in a format that is completely different from even ballroom dancing?” he asked rhetorically.

Maks further lamented the apparent lack of intervention or guidance following earlier criticisms of Ravnik’s performance.

“We had this criticism weeks ago, and I’m like, ‘Bro, is anybody going to explain it to him?’” The former DWTS professional was quick to clarify that his critique was not personal toward Jan Ravnik, but rather directed at the producers and decision-makers responsible for casting.

“Jan, whoever he is, I have zero against him whatsoever.

No way.

This was a missed opportunity,” Maks said, signaling that his frustration lies with the show’s standards and integrity.

Peta Murgatroyd, Maks’s wife and fellow DWTS alumna, also weighed in on the situation, highlighting the disadvantage faced by Jan’s celebrity partner, Jen Affleck.

Peta expressed sympathy for Jen, noting that she is not receiving the fundamental instruction necessary to thrive in the competition.

“I feel bad because she’s not getting taught the basics that she needs to,” Peta shared.

“She’s not getting taught the base of the dance.

” Peta suggested that Ravnik’s casting was influenced more by his affiliation with Taylor Swift than by his ballroom credentials.

“They hired him.

He’s a Taylor Swift dancer.

It’s the obvious reason why he is hired,” she said.

“Apart from that, he’s a lovely guy.

He looks great.

He obviously is a great dancer.

Hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job is outrageous.

” This candid assessment from two respected former DWTS professionals has sparked a lively debate among fans and commentators about the standards and expectations of the show’s pro dancers.

Jan Ravnik and Jen Affleck appeared to respond to Maks’s criticism in a lighthearted manner via a TikTok video posted to Jen’s account.

The clip humorously depicted Jen typing on her phone as if leaving critical comments, interspersed with Jan lip-syncing phrases like “Take it down.

Take it down.

Take it down.

We need it gone.

Take it down.

That doesn’t represent me or what we need to be doing.

” The video was captioned, “We don’t tolerate Jan slander in this house!!” signaling a playful but firm rebuttal to the negative remarks.

This episode is not the first time Maks Chmerkovskiy has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with casting choices on Dancing With the Stars.

In September 2024, he criticized the decision to cast Anna Delvey, the notorious socialite, branding her a “sh***y dancer” and questioning her suitability for the competition.

Maks described her “standoffish” personality as a potential hindrance and suggested there were many other more qualified candidates.

His outspoken nature on such matters reflects his deep investment in the quality and reputation of the show.

Maks Chmerkovskiy’s critique raises important questions about the evolving nature of Dancing With the Stars and the balance between entertainment value and technical dance proficiency.

The show, which has been a fixture of American television since 2005, has traditionally showcased professional dancers with strong backgrounds in ballroom and Latin dance styles paired with celebrities from diverse fields.

However, recent seasons have seen a broader range of dance professionals, including those with backgrounds in contemporary, hip-hop, and commercial dance, reflecting changing trends in the dance world and television programming.

Jan Ravnik’s background as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour exemplifies this trend toward crossover performers who bring star power and stage presence but may lack formal ballroom training.

This shift has divided viewers and industry insiders alike.

Some applaud the fresh energy and diversity of styles, while others, like Maks and Peta, advocate for maintaining rigorous technical standards to preserve the integrity of the competition.

The debate touches on fundamental issues about what Dancing With the Stars represents: is it primarily a dance competition judged on technique, or is it an entertainment spectacle that prioritizes audience engagement and celebrity appeal? Maks’s comments suggest a preference for the former, emphasizing the importance of dance mastery and the educational role of the professional partners.

Moreover, the criticism highlights the challenges faced by celebrity contestants like Jen Affleck, who rely heavily on their pro partners for guidance and instruction.

When that guidance is perceived as lacking, it can put the celebrity at a significant disadvantage, potentially affecting their performance quality and progression in the competition.

This situation underscores the critical role of professional dancers not only as performers but as teachers and mentors.

As Dancing With the Stars continues into its 34th season, the show’s producers face the delicate task of balancing innovation and tradition.

The inclusion of dancers like Jan Ravnik introduces new dynamics and audiences but also invites scrutiny from dance purists and former professionals.

Maks Chmerkovskiy’s vocal stance serves as a reminder of the high expectations held by those with deep expertise in the field.

Fans of the show are watching closely to see how this casting choice plays out in the competition and whether Ravnik and Affleck can overcome the perceived technical gaps to deliver compelling performances.

Meanwhile, the playful TikTok response from Jen and Jan suggests they remain confident and undeterred by the criticism, focusing on their rehearsals and partnership.

In conclusion, Maks Chmerkovskiy’s outspoken critique of Jan Ravnik’s casting on Dancing With the Stars season 34 has ignited a significant conversation about the standards of professional dancers on the show.

His concerns about Ravnik’s lack of ballroom technique and the subsequent disadvantage to celebrity partner Jen Affleck highlight ongoing tensions between technical rigor and entertainment value in the evolving format of the competition.

As the season progresses, the dance community and fans alike will be keen to observe how these issues influence performances and judging outcomes.

Ultimately, the debate underscores the enduring passion and high stakes involved in one of television’s most beloved dance competitions.