Taylor Swift's Star Dancer Fires Back at 'DWTS' Critics Post-Elimination
Taylor Swift’s Former Dancer Responds to Criticism from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Alum
Haters are going to hate, but for Jan Ravnik, a former dancer for Taylor Swift, it's all about moving forward and focusing on the love and support he received during his time on “Dancing with the Stars.” After being eliminated alongside his dance partner, Jen Affleck, Ravnik chose not to engage with negative comments from some critics, including Maks Chmerkovskiy, an alum of the show.
Ravnik was part of the crew that supported Taylor Swift during her highly successful “Eras Tour,” performing in over 100 shows. His experience behind the scenes has given him a unique perspective on the world of professional dancing. When asked about the criticism from Chmerkovskiy, Ravnik stated that he had no comment on the remarks, emphasizing that he received plenty of positive feedback from judges and fans alike.
He also expressed that the tone of the criticism was inappropriate and seemed to stem from a desire to stay relevant rather than genuine concern for the quality of the performance. Ravnik insisted that he would not engage in spreading or receiving hate, choosing instead to let the situation pass.
However, his dance partner, Affleck, had a different take, as she jokingly raised her fist in a gesture of defiance, showing she was more willing to confront the criticism head-on.
What Did Maks Chmerkovskiy Say About Jan Ravnik?
During a discussion on Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast, “The Penthouse with Peta,” Maks Chmerkovskiy criticized Ravnik’s performance on “Dancing with the Stars.” He argued that Ravnik lacked the necessary foundation, technique, and understanding of ballroom dancing. Chmerkovskiy described Ravnik as a "square peg in a round hole," suggesting that his background as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift did not qualify him for the role.
He further emphasized that hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach celebrities how to dance was “outrageous.” Despite these criticisms, Ravnik remains focused on the positive aspects of his journey and the support he received from the audience and judges.
A Rich Background in Dance
Ravnik is more than just a former backup dancer for Taylor Swift. He has an impressive resume, having worked with renowned artists such as Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars, Khalid, Luis Fonsi, and Paula Abdul. Before relocating to Los Angeles in 2018, he won the prestigious “Best Dancer of Slovenia” award twice.
His talent was also recognized when he performed an exceptional routine to Kelly Clarkson’s cover of “Happier Than Ever,” which caused a stir in the dance community. According to insiders, his long-standing friendship with choreographer Mandy Moore, who also worked on Swift’s tour, helped secure his spot on “Dancing with the Stars.”
The Eras Tour Was a Dream Come True
For Ravnik, the “Eras Tour” was a dream come true. After the tour ended, he took to social media to express his gratitude for the opportunity and the memories created with Taylor Swift and Mandy Moore. He described the experience as the best two years of his life, filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments.
Ravnik also shared that he kept a special relic from the tour: the purple ladder he used during his performance of “Lavender Haze” from Swift’s “Midnights” album.
A New Chapter on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Ravnik’s appearance on “Dancing with the Stars” came after the departure of Gleb Savchenko, who left the show due to allegations of cheating from his former girlfriend and dance partner, Brooks Nader. Producers quickly sought a replacement, and Ravnik was seen as the ideal candidate.
Although Savchenko and Ravnik are different individuals, they share some similarities, including their good looks, charming personalities, and ability to captivate audiences with their dance moves. Insiders believe that Ravnik’s addition to the show was a smart move and one of the best decisions in recent years.
Savchenko, before his departure, had danced with notable celebrities like Lisa Vanderpump and Jana Kramer. He made his debut on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2013 and became one of the most successful male professionals on the show.
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