Former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Maks Chmerkovskiy is challenging the show’s recruitment of Taylor Swift dancer Jan Ravnik. He said during a recent appearance on “The Penthouse with Peta” podcast that Ravnik had “absolutely no reason to be a pro” on the long-running competition series.
“There is no foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership,” Chmerkovskiy said. “Brother, I’m getting emotional. It’s absurd, and it’s unreal how blind we must be, and God forbid we say what’s obviously there.”
Chmerkovskiy first joined “Dancing With the Stars” in Season 2 and went on to compete as a professional for a total of 17 non-consecutive seasons. Ravnik joined the series for season 34 and is paired with Jen Affleck.
Later in the discussion, Chmerkovskiy explained that he was particularly offended by Ravnik’s performance at the October 21 “Wicked” party.
“He had no idea what the foxtrot was supposed to look like,” he said. “How are you going to expect him to teach it and deliver this message in a completely different format than even ballroom dancing? We had this review weeks ago, and I’m like, ‘Brother, is someone going to explain this to him?’
Chmerkovskiy added that he had “nothing against” Ravnik as a person, but called his hiring a “missed opportunity.” Peta Murgatroyd, podcast host and former “Dancing with the Stars” pro, agreed, adding that it was “outrageous” that Ravnik was hired despite his perceived lack of ballroom dancing experience.
“They hired him. He’s a Taylor Swift dancer. That’s the obvious reason he was hired,” she added. “Other than that, he’s a lovely guy. He looks great. He’s obviously a great dancer. Hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity is outrageous.”
