The ballroom just got a whole lot hotter, and it’s not because of any sizzling dance moves. Maks Chmerkovskiy is stirring up drama after taking aim at Dancing with the Stars‘ newest professional dancer, Jan Ravnik, calling him underqualified for the job.
During a recent episode of his wife Peta Murgatroyd‘s podcast, The Penthouse With Peta, the former Dancing with the Stars pro didn’t hold back his feelings about the casting decision. “I’m sorry, Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing with the Stars,” Maks Chmerkovskiy declared. “There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership.”
The controversy centers around Jan Ravnik, who recently finished touring the world as a backup dancer on Taylor Swift‘s record-breaking Eras Tour. While his resume includes performances with pop stars like Bruno Mars, Paula Abdul, and Mariah Carey, critics argue that contemporary dance experience doesn’t translate to ballroom expertise.
Maks got visibly worked up discussing the topic, telling his wife, “Bro, I’m getting emotional. It is absurd.” His passion for the subject clearly runs deep, especially considering his years of experience teaching celebrities the intricacies of ballroom technique.
Peta Murgatroyd didn’t disagree with her husband’s assessment. “He’s a Taylor Swift dancer, it’s the obvious reason why he was hired,” she explained on the podcast. “Hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job is outrageous.”
The couple expressed particular concern for Jan Ravnik’s celebrity partner, Jen Affleck from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. “She has a major disadvantage,” Peta noted. “She’s not getting taught the basics that she needs to. She’s not getting taught the base of the dance.”
Despite their harsh criticism, both former pros were quick to clarify that they have nothing personal against the 30-year-old Slovenian dancer. “It’s not Jan’s fault,” Maks admitted. “He’s doing what he was hired to do.”
Peta suggested an alternative path for bringing new pros onto DWTS. “He should have been part of the troupe,” she explained. “He should have learned, gone to ballroom classes” before being thrust into a professional role.
The debate has sparked conversation among fans online, with some defending Jan Ravnik and pointing out that the show has evolved beyond traditional ballroom dancing over the years. Others agree that proper technique matters when teaching celebrities the fundamentals.
Meanwhile, Jan and Jen continue competing on Season 34, recently scoring straight 8’s from the judges during the show’s Wicked-themed night. Whether Maks Chmerkovskiy’s criticism will impact their journey remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: this conversation about qualifications and expertise in the ballroom isn’t going away anytime soon.
