Ballroom Brawl: DWTS Vet Maks Chmerkovskiy Slams New Pro Jan Ravnik's Skills, Jen Affleck Fights Back!

Hold onto your sequins! Former "Dancing With the Stars" champion Maksim Chmerkovskiy has some very strong opinions about new pro Jan Ravnik, calling his casting "absurd." But Ravnik's partner, Jen Affleck, isn't letting the criticism slide and is ready to defend her man on and off the dance floor.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on the DWTS Drama

• Longtime "Dancing With the Stars" pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy slammed new pro Jan Ravnik, saying he has "no business" being on the show due to a perceived lack of ballroom technique.
• Maks's wife, Peta Murgatroyd, echoed concerns, calling Ravnik's hiring "outrageous" for a "non-ballroom dancer" to teach celebrities, suggesting his Taylor Swift connection was the reason.
• Ravnik's celebrity partner, Jen Affleck, fiercely defended him via TikTok, while Ravnik himself responded with a subtle (but pointed!) Taylor Swift song on Instagram.

Alright, "Dancing With the Stars" fans, grab your popcorn because the drama this season isn't just happening on the dance floor. A full-blown ballroom beef has exploded between some legendary pros and a newcomer, and it's making waves across social media!

The latest hot topic revolves around new professional dancer Jan Ravnik and his celebrity partner, Jen Affleck. While they've been gliding (mostly) through the competition, two familiar faces from the "Dwts" family, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd, have made it crystal clear they're not exactly thrilled with Ravnik's presence in the pro lineup.

The Fiery Critique From a DWTS Legend: Maks Chmerkovskiy Sounds Off

The whole situation kicked off on the October 24 episode of Peta Murgatroyd's podcast, "The Penthouse with Peta," where her husband, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, didn't mince words. Maks, who graced the "DWTS" stage for a whopping 17 seasons and even took home the Mirrorball Trophy in 2014, went on an impassioned rant about Jan Ravnik's qualifications as a professional instructor.

He pulled no punches, stating flat out:

"I'm sorry, Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars. There's zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership. Bro, I'm getting emotional. It is absurd, and this is unreal how blind we have to be and God forbid say what's obviously there." — Maksim Chmerkovskiy on "The Penthouse with Peta" podcast

Maks specifically pointed to Ravnik and Affleck's foxtrot performance during "Wicked Night" on October 21. Despite earning a respectable 32 out of 40 points from the judges, Chmerkovskiy felt it highlighted Ravnik's shortcomings in traditional ballroom. "He had no idea what foxtrot is supposed to look like," Maks asserted. He stressed that a pro's fundamental role is to teach, and if you can't teach the basics, you shouldn't be a pro.

Peta Murgatroyd's More Measured, Yet Still Critical, Perspective on Jan Ravnik's Role

While Maks was all fire and brimstone, his wife Peta Murgatroyd (a "DWTS" pro for 15 seasons herself) offered a slightly more nuanced, but equally critical, take. She initially suggested giving Ravnik "grace" since it's his first season, acknowledging that he's "learning slowly." However, Maks quickly shut down that idea, arguing that the show requires fundamental teaching skills from the get-go.

Peta ultimately agreed with her husband on key points. She found the actual "foxtrot elements" of their "Wicked Night" routine lacking, despite appreciating the "moody and dramatic" partner work. Her biggest concern, and one Maks strongly echoed, was that celebrity partner Jen Affleck was at a "major disadvantage."

"She's not getting taught the base of the dance. Hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job is outrageous." — Peta Murgatroyd on "The Penthouse with Peta" podcast

Peta implied that Ravnik's casting was less about his ballroom expertise and more about his prior fame. "They hired him. He's a Taylor Swift dancer. It's the obvious reason why he is hired," she claimed, though quickly adding that he's a "lovely guy" and "great dancer" in other styles. Her core argument: a "non-ballroom dancer" shouldn't be teaching ballroom, suggesting he should have started in the "troupe" to gain foundational experience.

Jan Ravnik's Impressive Dance History: Beyond the Ballroom Basics

It's important to understand why Jan Ravnik landed a spot on "Dancing With the Stars" in the first place, and it's not without merit, even if it's not strictly ballroom. The 30-year-old Slovenian dancer boasts an incredible resume that goes far beyond the traditional ballroom circuit.

Before stepping into the "DWTS" spotlight, Ravnik was a celebrated backup dancer for none other than pop superstar Taylor Swift on her globally successful "Eras Tour." He's also worked with other music icons like Paula Abdul, Bruno Mars, and Mariah Carey, performing in major television specials and awards shows like "Mariah's Christmas: The Magic Continues," the Billboard Music Awards, and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve."

Beyond commercial gigs, Ravnik has a competitive history, having won multiple National, European, and World champion titles. He's also been awarded "Best Dancer of Slovenia" twice and received an award for "Best Trainer/Choreographer" from the Slovenian Olympic committee. So, while his specific ballroom technique might be under scrutiny, his overall dance prowess and star-power appeal are undeniable.

Jen Affleck Steps Up: Defending Her Partner with a Viral TikTok Response

You know things are getting spicy when the celebrity partners jump into the fray! Jen Affleck, star of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," was clearly not going to stand by while her partner was being "slandered." On Monday, October 27, Affleck took to TikTok to issue a spirited, if indirect, defense of Ravnik.

Her video shows her "furiously typing" on her phone, presumably in response to the online chatter and criticisms. Ravnik, by her side, humorously mimes the audio snippet from motivational speaker Dr. Umar Johnson, saying, "Take it down. Take it down. Take it down. We need it gone. That doesn't represent me or what we need to be doing."

Affleck's caption left no room for interpretation: "Me when anyone talks trash about Jan," and "We don't tolerate Jan slander in this house !!" The post quickly garnered support, including a comment from fellow "DWTS" pro Ezra Sosa, who declared, "I'll ride at dawn for this man." It's clear that the newer generation of pros, and their partners, are forming a united front.

Jan Ravnik's Subtle (But Pointed!) Response: "Look What You Made Me Do"

Jen Affleck wasn't the only one to clap back. Jan Ravnik himself threw some subtle shade via his Instagram. He posted a photo from his rehearsals with Jen, cleverly soundtracking it with Taylor Swift's iconic revenge anthem, "Look What You Made Me Do." To top it off, he captioned the photo with a lyric from the song: "I'll be the actress starring in your bad dreams."

It's a clear, indirect message that he's heard the criticisms and isn't backing down. Given his history with Taylor Swift, using her song was a perfectly fitting and undeniably pointed way to address the drama without directly engaging in a verbal spat. It shows a confident, defiant spirit, suggesting he's ready to let his dancing do the talking.

The Upcoming Performance: A Strategic Song Choice for Halloween Night

Adding another layer of intrigue to this ongoing saga, Ravnik and Affleck's upcoming performance on "Halloween Night" (airing Tuesday, October 28) will feature them dancing a contemporary routine to none other than Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do."

This is a masterstroke of timing and a genius move, whether intentional or not. By performing to the very song Jan used to respond to his critics, they're turning the social media drama into part of their on-screen narrative. It gives their routine an added layer of meaning and allows them to channel any frustration or defiance into their art. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how they interpret the theme and if it translates into a standout performance.

Why This DWTS Drama Captivates Fans: Passion, Skill, and Loyalty

The "Dancing With the Stars" ballroom is often a place of glitz, glamour, and impressive athleticism, but it's also a stage for intense emotions, personal growth, and, yes, sometimes a bit of drama. This public spat between seasoned veterans and a rising star highlights a tension that's always simmered beneath the surface: what truly defines a "pro" on this show?

Is it strictly classical ballroom training, or does modern dance experience, showmanship, and a connection with a celebrity partner weigh more heavily? Maks and Peta, as traditionalists and highly decorated ballroom dancers, are clearly advocating for the former. Their argument centers on the integrity of ballroom fundamentals being taught on a show dedicated to those styles.

On the other hand, Jan Ravnik represents a new wave, bringing pop-star performance energy and a different kind of technical background. Jen Affleck's fierce loyalty and Ravnik's cool, Taylor Swift-infused clap-back resonate with fans who appreciate authenticity and standing up for your partner. This isn't just about dance steps; it's about reputations, expectations, and the evolving face of competitive dance entertainment.

The Broader Discussion: What Defines a "DWTS" Professional Today?

Peta Murgatroyd's suggestion that Ravnik should have joined the "troupe" first before becoming a pro opens up a larger conversation about the show's casting philosophy. The troupe, often composed of highly skilled dancers, serves as a breeding ground for future pros, allowing them to immerse themselves in the ballroom styles, learn the ropes of the show's format, and build relationships within the "DWTS" family before taking on the immense responsibility of teaching a celebrity.

In the past, "DWTS" has brought in dancers with diverse backgrounds, sometimes leading to similar debates. However, the show is also a massive entertainment spectacle, and bringing in someone with a direct connection to a global phenomenon like Taylor Swift (especially during her record-breaking "Eras Tour") brings undeniable buzz and a fresh audience to the show. The challenge, then, becomes how to integrate that star power with the show's core mission of teaching ballroom dance.

This season, Ravnik and Affleck have generally remained in the middle of the pack in terms of scores, and Ravnik himself has shown a good attitude about receiving notes from the judges. He joked to "Us Weekly" that the judges are "obsessed with me or something," but quickly added, "I am new, so I’m gonna take every note that they’re giving to me. I don’t think it’s in a bad way that they’re always saying.” This willingness to learn and adapt, despite the intense public scrutiny, shows resilience.

Looking Ahead: The Ballroom Remains a Hotbed of Competition and Intrigue

As "Dancing With the Stars" continues through its 34th season, this simmering tension is sure to keep fans engaged. Will Maks and Peta's critiques push Jan Ravnik to double down on his ballroom technique? Will Jen Affleck's passionate defense rally even more support for their partnership? And how will their "Look What You Made Me Do" performance be received, both as a dance and as a statement?

One thing's for sure: the ballroom is never boring, and this season's blend of incredible dance, personal journeys, and unexpected drama is making for must-watch television. Tune in to "Dancing With the Stars" on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET to see how this story (and these dances!) unfolds.

Frequently Asked Questions About the DWTS Drama

When did Maksim Chmerkovskiy make his comments about Jan Ravnik?

Maksim Chmerkovskiy's critical comments about Jan Ravnik were made on the October 24 episode of his wife Peta Murgatroyd's podcast, "The Penthouse with Peta."

What specific dance did Maksim Chmerkovskiy criticize?

Maksim specifically criticized Jan Ravnik and Jen Affleck's foxtrot performance during "Wicked Night" on October 21, claiming Ravnik didn't understand what the foxtrot was supposed to look like.

How did Jen Affleck respond to the criticism of Jan Ravnik?

Jen Affleck posted a TikTok on October 27, featuring herself "furiously typing" a defense for Jan, with Jan miming an audio clip about taking down negative comments. Her caption stated, "We don't tolerate Jan slander in this house !!"

What is Jan Ravnik's background before joining DWTS?

Jan Ravnik is an accomplished dancer who previously toured as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift on her "Eras Tour." He has also worked with artists like Paula Abdul, Bruno Mars, and Mariah Carey, and holds multiple international competitive dance titles.

Sources

• Various articles from the provided context (e.g., TODAY.com, Deadline, Us Weekly, Vulture, E! News) referencing "The Penthouse with Peta" podcast and social media posts.