Maks Chmerkovskiy criticizes casting of Taylor Swift dancer Jan Ravnik

Former ‘Dancing with the Stars’ pro Maks Chmerkovskiy has objected to the recruitment of Taylor Swift’s dancer Jan Ravnik to the show. He said during a recent appearance on “The Penthouse with Peta” podcast that Ravnik “absolutely does not want to be a professional” in the long-running competition series.

“There is no foundation, technique, quality and understanding of the partnership,” Chmerkovskiy said. “Bro, I’m getting emotional. It’s absurd, and this is unreal how blind we have to be, and God forbid we say what’s obvious.”

Chmerkovskiy first joined ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in Season 2 and went on to compete as a professional for a total of 17 non-consecutive seasons. Ravnik joined the show for season 34 and is paired with Jen Affleck.

Later in the discussion, Chmerkovskiy explained that he was especially offended by Ravnik’s performance during the Oct. 21 “Wicked” night.

“He had no idea what foxtrot should look like,” he claimed. “How are you going to expect him to teach it and deliver that message in a format that’s completely different than even ballroom dancing? We had this criticism weeks ago and I was like, ‘Bro, is anyone going to explain it to him?'”

Chmerkovskiy added that he has “zero against” Ravnik as a person, but called his hiring a “missed opportunity.” Podcast host and fellow former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Peta Murgatroyd agreed, adding that it was “outrageous” that Ravnik was hired despite his alleged lack of ballroom dancing experience.

“They hired him. He’s a Taylor Swift dancer. It’s the obvious reason why he was hired,” she added. “Plus, he’s a nice guy. He looks great. He’s clearly a great dancer. Hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job is outrageous.”