Emerging dancing star Jan Ravnik, whose name rapidly rose through pop‑culture circles thanks to his high‑profile stint as a backup dancer on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, now finds himself at the center of intense scrutiny during his first season as a professional partner on Dancing with the Stars. Veteran pro and 17‑season competitor Maks Chmerkovskiy publicly questioned Ravnik’s suitability for the role, triggering a fresh debate about the show’s evolving casting criteria and what it takes to be a “pro” in ballroom competition.
The Crux of the Criticism
Chmerkovskiy, speaking candidly on a podcast, labelled Ravnik’s casting “absurd,” asserting that his partner appears under‑prepared in terms of ballroom technique — especially in foundational styles like the foxtrot. While he stopped short of personal attacks, Chmerkovskiy said the decision to bring Ravnik onboard sets a flawed precedent, particularly given Ravnik’s prominence as a commercial dancer more than a competitive ballroom specialist.
For his part, Ravnik has remained composed, focusing on his weekly rehearsals, kind words from his partner, and a growing social‑media presence that reflects strong audience interest.
Why This Moment Matters
Career trajectory & brand identity: Ravnik’s leap from touring dancer to major television pro marks a major transition. If he navigates this season successfully, he will carve a new identity beyond Swift fandom and short‑form viral moments—and into the ballroom legacy arena.
Casting philosophy of the show: His arrival signals a shift for Dancing with the Stars — placing greater weight on social‑media following, crossover appeal, and mainstream visibility, arguably at the expense of traditional ballroom credentials. Critics say this may dilute the show’s roots; supporters see it as theatre evolving for a new audience.
Fan engagement and voting dynamics: Ravnik brings a built‑in fan base of Swifties and younger dance‑culture followers, potentially altering fan‑vote patterns. His presence intensifies the question: do technical mastery and teaching ability still lead, or does audience reach increasingly dominate?
What to Watch Next
- Rehearsal footage disclosures: Upcoming press clips and behind‑the‑scenes joins will shed light on Ravnik’s preparation process and how the dance judges perceive his teaching‑partner dynamic.
- Viewer and judge reaction: If judges begin to highlight technique gaps more frequently—or if audience communities rally—this will shape whether Ravnik is perceived as novice or rising star.
- Media narratives: As speculation mounts around how rookies fare in the ballroom hierarchy, Ravnik’s journey may become a talking point for the show’s identity crisis (traditional vs mainstream).
- Performance trends: Will Ravnik and his celebrity partner show upward technical improvement and scoring gains? A strong mid‑season surge could quiet critics and reshape the narrative.
Final Take
Jan Ravnik’s first season on Dancing with the Stars is about far more than one performance or one judge’s critique. It represents a crossroads: between ballroom tradition and modern celebrity dance culture; between rigorous technique and influencer‑driven casting. For Ravnik, the story now isn’t just “new pro joining” — it’s “can he legitimize the leap?” Bridge‑building from backup stages to ballroom dominance is never easy. But if he can harness his momentum, learn the craft, and win the room, this moment could mark the arrival of a new kind of dance‑star archetype.
Credit: PopScopeNow Entertainment Desk – October 29, 2025
