Maks Chmerkovskiy Criticises Taylor Swift Dancer Jan Ravnik’s ‘Absurd’ Presence as a Professional on ‘DWTS’
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Maks-Chmerkovskiy-jan-ravnik-102725-f49fd3203cbd4020a15b0e9d26b230d0.jpg)
Renowned dancer Maks Chmerkovskiy has expressed his disapproval of Jan Ravnik, a Taylor Swift backup dancer, being featured as a professional dancer on the popular show, Dancing with the Stars. Chmerkovskiy shared his sentiments during an episode of ‘The Penthouse with Peta’, a podcast hosted by his wife, Peta Murgatroyd. The discussion arose while reviewing a recent episode of the show that highlighted Ravnik’s performance.
During the podcast, Murgatroyd acknowledged Ravnik’s learning curve as a first-time pro, citing his struggle to grasp the intricacies of foxtrot technique. However, Chmerkovskiy had a different perspective, asserting that Ravnik lacks the necessary foundation, technique, and understanding required for a professional dancer on DWTS. He described Ravnik’s presence on the show as “absurd”, emphasising the significant gap in skill and knowledge.
As a seasoned competitor who participated in 17 seasons of the show, Chmerkovskiy underscored the importance of having a solid foundation and technical proficiency in ballroom dancing. He highlighted an instance where Ravnik appeared to be lacking direction in his choreography and teaching methods, especially evident during a particular dance performance. Despite his critique, Chmerkovskiy clarified that he holds no personal animosity towards Ravnik but views his casting as a missed opportunity for the show.
Murgatroyd echoed her husband’s sentiments, expressing concern for Ravnik’s dance partner, Jen Affleck, who she believes is at a disadvantage due to the lack of fundamental instruction provided by Ravnik. While acknowledging Ravnik’s talents as a dancer, Murgatroyd questioned the decision to recruit a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity participant, deeming it an unconventional choice for the show.
The discussion around Ravnik’s involvement in DWTS has sparked debate within the dance community, with fans and viewers sharing differing opinions on social media platforms. Some have supported Chmerkovskiy’s critique, citing the importance of skill and expertise in competitive dancing, while others have defended Ravnik’s contribution to the show, highlighting his unique dance style and background as a Taylor Swift dancer.
As Dancing with the Stars continues to showcase a diverse range of talent and personalities in its line-up, the clash of opinions regarding Ravnik’s presence underscores the subjective nature of dance critique and the varying expectations placed on professional dancers in a competitive setting. The ongoing dialogue serves as a testament to the passion and dedication exhibited by both the contestants and professional dancers on the show, as they strive to deliver captivating performances each week.
In conclusion, Maks Chmerkovskiy’s candid remarks on Jan Ravnik’s role as a professional dancer on DWTS shed light on the complexities of the competitive dance world and the standards upheld within the industry. While opinions may differ on Ravnik’s suitability for the show, the discourse surrounding his performance underscores the nuanced dynamics at play in the realm of reality television and dance competitions.