Taylor Swift Dancer Jan Ravnik Faces Backlash After ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Performance

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour dancer Jan Ravnik is at the center of controversy after his performance on Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars. The Slovenian-born performer, who toured with Swift from the start of her record-breaking Eras Tour, joined the competition as a professional partner — but his appearance has sparked harsh criticism from some former DWTS pros.

The 34-year-old Ravnik was paired with celebrity contestant Jen Affleck, but former DWTS professional Maks Chmerkovskiy publicly questioned his qualifications. Chmerkovskiy and his wife, Peta Murgatroyd, discussed Ravnik’s skills on her podcast The Penthouse with Peta, where the pair alleged that his casting was influenced by his association with Swift.

Criticism From Former Pros Over Taylor Swift Dancer

“There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership,” Chmerkovskiy said emotionally during the podcast, adding that it was a “missed opportunity” to hire a more experienced ballroom professional. His wife echoed the sentiment, saying, “They hired him. He’s a Taylor Swift dancer. It’s the obvious reason why he is hired.”

The remarks immediately divided the DWTS community. While some agreed that the show should prioritize traditional ballroom expertise, others defended Ravnik, emphasizing that dance styles have evolved and diversified over time. Many noted that his work on the Eras Tour showcased his exceptional performance ability and versatility across contemporary, jazz, and modern genres.

Ravnik’s elimination on the latest episode, following a contemporary performance to Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” only fueled debate among fans and industry watchers. His supporters claim that his partnership with Affleck showed creativity and stage presence, while detractors insist the choreography lacked classical ballroom fundamentals.

Fans Defend Jan Ravnik Amid Taylor Swift Connection

Swift’s fanbase, known for its passionate loyalty, quickly rallied to Ravnik’s defense on social media. One fan wrote, “No understanding of the partnership? That man danced with a ladder and made it look hot,” referencing his viral solo from the Eras Tour. Another commented, “God, even people associated with Taylor are getting dragged. It’s giving bitter.”

Others argued that his selection brought fresh energy to the show, appealing to a younger audience that follows Swift’s massive global fandom. “There’s a reason he dances for Taylor Swift and they don’t,” another supporter quipped on X (formerly Twitter), summarizing the divide between traditionalists and modern performers.

Despite the backlash, Ravnik’s supporters say the criticism reflects a larger debate about the evolution of dance on television. As shows like DWTS attempt to balance entertainment with technical artistry, the definition of what makes a “qualified” dancer continues to shift — especially in an era shaped by viral tours, streaming choreography, and celebrity influence.

As of now, Jan Ravnik has not responded publicly to the criticism. However, his defenders believe his career with Taylor Swift and beyond speaks for itself — a testament to talent transcending traditional boundaries.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Jan Ravnik from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour?

Jan Ravnik is a professional dancer from Slovenia who performed with Taylor Swift throughout her Eras Tour and later joined Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars.

Q2: Why is Jan Ravnik being criticized?

Former DWTS pro Maks Chmerkovskiy accused him of lacking ballroom foundation and suggested he was cast due to his connection with Taylor Swift.

Q3: How did fans react to the criticism?

Swifties defended Ravnik on social media, calling the criticism unfair and praising his talent and stage presence.

Q4: Was Jan Ravnik eliminated from DWTS?

Yes. He and celebrity partner Jen Affleck were eliminated after performing a contemporary dance to “Look What You Made Me Do.”

Q5: What does this mean for DWTS going forward?

The controversy highlights tensions between traditional ballroom styles and modern, performance-driven choreography in the show’s evolving format.