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Jan Ravnik, the dancer who gained fame as part of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, is facing a storm of criticism after being cast as a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars. The decision has sparked controversy, with former DWTS pro Maks Chmerkovskiy labeling it “absurd” and questioning Ravnik’s qualifications for the ballroom.

Chmerkovskiy, a long-time staple of the show, voiced concerns that Ravnik’s background in pop performance lacks the foundational ballroom training required to mentor celebrity contestants. In an interview with Daily Mailhe stated, “There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, [or] understanding of the partnership.” He emphasized that his criticism was professional, not personal, arguing that ballroom expertise is essential for success on the show.

In response, Ravnik, who is paired with celebrity contestant Jen Affleck this season, chose a diplomatic approach. Instead of engaging directly with the criticism, he posted a lyric from Taylor Swift on social media, which many interpreted as a subtle nod to his critics. Later, in a press statement, Ravnik remained neutral, offering no comment on the backlash and implying that some of the negativity was coming from those “trying to stay relevant.”

The casting controversy has reignited debate about DWTS‘s balancing act between technical dance skills and celebrity appeal. Critics argue that casting decisions are increasingly based on fan recognition and entertainment value rather than traditional dance expertise.

As the season progresses, both viewers and dance enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting Ravnik’s performance, curious to see whether his non-traditional background will be an asset or a hindrance in the competitive ballroom arena. Will Ravnik’s charisma and pop performance experience overcome the criticisms, or will he struggle to meet the high standards of the show’s seasoned dance professionals? Time will tell.

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