‘DWTS’ Alum Maks Chmerkovskiy Slams ‘Absurd’ Casting of Taylor Swift’s Dancer Jan Ravnik as Pro: ‘There’s Zero Foundation’

Former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Maks Chmerkovskiy is taking issue with the show’s recruitment of Taylor Swift’s dancer Jan Ravnik. He said during a recent appearance on “The Penthouse with Peta” podcast that Ravnik has “absolutely no business being a pro” on the long-running competition series.

“There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership,” Chmerkovskiy said. “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.”

Chmerkovskiy first joined “Dancing with the Stars” on Season 2, and went on to compete as a pro in 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 he was particularly offended by Ravnik’s performance during “Wicked” night on Oct. 21.

“He had no idea what foxtrot is supposed to look like,” he claimed. “How are you going to expect him to teach it and deliver that message in a format that is completely different from even ballroom dancing? We had this criticism weeks ago, and I’m like, ‘Bro, is anybody 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 perceived lack of ballroom dancing experience.

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