Maks Chmerkovskiy has openly questioned Jan Ravnik’s qualifications as a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars. The veteran pro stated Ravnik "has no business" holding the role.
Chmerkovskiy, 45, shared his blunt assessment on the October 24 episode of ‘The Penthouse With Peta,’ a podcast hosted by his wife, Peta Murgatroyd. He criticized Ravnik’s performance with celebrity partner Jen Affleck in Season 34.
"I’m sorry, Jan has no business being a professional on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’" Chmerkovskiy asserted. He pointed to a lack of technical foundation, quality, and understanding of partnership.
Chmerkovskiy specifically referenced the couple’s foxtrot during Wicked Night, which earned them 32 out of 40 points from the judges. He argued that Ravnik, 30, "had no idea" about the specific requirements of the dance style.
"How do you expect him to teach it and transmit that message in a completely different format from even ballroom dancing?" Chmerkovskiy asked. He felt this criticism had been apparent for weeks without explanation.
Ravnik is a newcomer to Dancing With the Stars this season. He previously gained prominence as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift on ‘The Eras Tour.’
Murgatroyd, 39, also weighed in on the foxtrot. She described the routine as "intense and dramatic" but stated she "didn’t like the foxtrot elements" due to technical inconsistencies.
However, Murgatroyd praised the couple’s "beautiful collaboration and partnership work." She added that Ravnik "is learning" and deserves patience as a first-time pro.
Chmerkovskiy disagreed with giving Ravnik leeway. He observed a dance that initially showed promise, but "then it just fell apart."
The former DWTS professional, who won the competition once across 17 seasons, clarified he had no personal issues with Ravnik. He viewed the situation as a "missed opportunity" for Affleck, implying she "has no partner" for proper instruction.
Murgatroyd suggested Ravnik’s association with Taylor Swift, 35, was an "obvious reason" for his casting. She acknowledged he is a "lovely guy" and a "great dancer."
Yet, she criticized the casting choice. "Hiring someone who’s not a ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity is insane," said Murgatroyd, a two-time DWTS champion herself.
Chmerkovskiy recalled past DWTS professionals with limited ballroom experience who "immediately integrated" into the show’s demands. Murgatroyd proposed Ravnik might have been better suited to start in the show’s dance troupe.
She advised Ravnik to dedicate himself to ballroom training. Murgatroyd suggested he take additional classes and then spend four hours training with Affleck, beyond any studio time.
Ravnik holds multiple competition dancing titles outside of ballroom. After Disney Night on October 7, Ravnik joked to Us Weekly that the judges might be "obsessed" with his choreography.
He noted he is new to the show and takes all feedback seriously. Ravnik believes the comments are not meant maliciously.
Affleck previously expressed excitement about working with Ravnik. She told Us in September that they shared "a lot of energy" as new participants.
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.