What did Maks Chmerkovskiy say about Jan Ravnik's casting on DWTS?

Maks Chmerkovskiy, a former DWTS pro, says Jan Ravnik has "absolutely no business being a pro" on the show, citing Ravnik's lack of fundamental ballroom technique and understanding.

How did Peta Murgatroyd, Maks' wife, react to Ravnik's casting?

Peta Murgatroyd, also a former DWTS pro, agrees that Ravnik's casting puts his celebrity partner Jen Affleck at a "major disadvantage" as she is not being taught the basic foundations of ballroom dancing.

What did Maks and Peta suggest DWTS should have done with Ravnik?

The couple argues the show is at fault for hiring a non-ballroom dancer like Ravnik as a pro, and suggests he should have been hired in a smaller capacity, such as part of the dance troupe, to learn ballroom first before being promoted.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ballroom Veteran Slams DWTS for Hiring Unqualified Pro Dancer

Ballroom Veteran Slams DWTS for Hiring Unqualified Pro Dancer

27 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Maks Chmerkovskiy criticizes DWTS for hiring Jan Ravnik as a pro dancer
Chmerkovskiy says Ravnik lacks technique and understanding of ballroom dancing
Peta Murgatroyd agrees Ravnik's casting puts her celebrity partner at a "major disadvantage"

Ballroom Veteran Slams DWTS for Hiring Unqualified Pro Dancer

In a recent episode of The Penthouse With Peta podcast, former Dancing With the Stars pro Maks Chmerkovskiy has slammed the show's decision to hire Jan Ravnik, a Taylor Swift backup dancer, as a new pro this season. Chmerkovskiy, who competed on DWTS for 17 seasons, says Ravnik has "absolutely no business being a pro" on the show, citing a lack of fundamental technique, quality, and understanding of ballroom dancing.

Chmerkovskiy's criticism comes after Ravnik's performance with his celebrity partner Jen Affleck during the Wicked-themed episode, which he says "just went off the cliff" and showed Ravnik had "no idea what foxtrot is supposed to look like." Chmerkovskiy's wife, Peta Murgatroyd, also a former DWTS pro, agrees that Affleck is at a "major disadvantage" by having Ravnik as a partner, as she is not being taught the basic foundations of ballroom dancing.