Former Dancing With the Stars Pros Say Taylor Swift Dancer ‘Has Absolutely No Business’ Being Cast on the Show

Former Dancing With the Stars professionals Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd have voiced strong reservations about Jan Ravnik’s elevation to the show’s pro ranks.

On a recent episode of Murgatroyd’s podcast, The Penthouse With Peta, the married former pros — both of whom spent multiple seasons as resident pros on DWTS — debated whether Ravnik’s background as a touring dancer for Taylor Swift prepared him to teach ballroom technique to celebrity contestants. Ravnik, who toured with Swift for nearly two years, was announced as a coach on DWTS in August.

Chmerkovskiy was blunt in his assessment, arguing that Ravnik lacks the foundational ballroom training and partnership experience the format demands. He maintained that the difference between performance choreography and ballroom instruction is significant, and questioned Ravnik’s readiness to translate that knowledge to the show’s competitive framework.

Murgatroyd acknowledged Ravnik’s strengths — noting his stage presence, charisma and strong showmanship — but echoed concerns about his ability to deliver core ballroom fundamentals to celebrity partners. She suggested that while Ravnik is a talented dancer, hiring someone without a ballroom pedigree to teach ballroom fundamentals creates an inequity for the celebrities who rely on a pro’s technical expertise.

The conversation followed a recent DWTS episode in which Ravnik and his partner, Jen Affleck (known from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives), advanced after performing on a Wicked-themed night judged in part by guest judge Jon M. Chu. The pair received scores of 8s from the judges, a result that sparked further debate about the level of coaching and instruction Affleck is receiving.

Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars premiered in mid-September, and this year’s celebrity roster includes Whitney Leavitt, Alix Earle, Robert Irwin, Scott Hoying (Pentatonix), Lauren Jauregui (Fifth Harmony), Jordan Chiles, Hilaria Baldwin and Danielle Fishel, among others.

Ravnik, who celebrated his Eras Tour experience upon joining DWTS, expressed enthusiasm about transitioning to ballroom television. In a statement shared at the time of his casting, he said he was excited to embrace the competitive dance stage and aim for the Mirrorball Trophy.

Billboard has contacted DWTS producers for comment.

Watch Chmerkovskiy and Murgatroyd’s full discussion about Ravnik below.