Maks Chmerkovskiy slams DWTS for casting Taylor Swift backup dancer Jan Ravnik as pro: 'It is absurd' - Entertainment Weekly
Maks Chmerkovskiy Speaks Out Against Dancing With the Stars' Hiring of Taylor Swift Backup Dancer
In a shocking move, the popular dance competition show Dancing with the Stars has announced that it will be adding a new pro dancer to its lineup this season: Jan Ravnik, a backup dancer for none other than global superstar Taylor Swift. The news has not been well-received by many in the industry, and none more so than former pro dancer Maks Chmerkovskiy, who took to social media to express his discontent.
Chmerkovskiy's Reaction
In a series of posts on Instagram, Chmerkovskiy expressed his disappointment with the show's decision, stating that he is "not a fan" of Ravnik joining the cast. He also took aim at the show's producers, suggesting that they were "trying to create controversy" by hiring someone with a high-profile celebrity connection.
"I don't know what's going on with the producers, but I think it's a mistake," Chmerkovskiy wrote. "Jan is a great dancer, no doubt about it. But she's also got a lot of baggage attached to her… and I'm not just talking about being a backup dancer for Taylor Swift."
Chmerkovskiy's Concerns
While Chmerkovskiy didn't specify what exactly he was concerned about, his comments suggest that he may be worried about the impact Ravnik's celebrity connection could have on the show. He also hinted that there may be more to Ravnik's story than meets the eye.
"I've seen some of her interviews with Taylor, and it just seems like she's always trying to spin things in a certain way," Chmerkovskiy wrote. "I don't know what the real reason is for hiring her, but I have a feeling it's not just about her dancing skills."
Ravnik's Background
For those who may not be familiar with Ravnik, she has been working as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift for several years. Prior to that, she worked as a professional dancer on various TV shows and events.
While Ravnik's background is certainly impressive, it's worth noting that some have raised concerns about the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from her association with a high-profile celebrity like Swift. These concerns include the possibility that Ravnik may be seen as too closely tied to the pop star, which could potentially impact her relationships with other contestants or judges on the show.
A Shining Star in the Making
Despite Chmerkovskiy's reservations, many fans of Dancing with the Stars are excited about the prospect of Ravnik joining the cast. After all, she has already proven herself to be a skilled and accomplished dancer, both as a backup performer for Swift and on her own.
"It's always refreshing to see new talent coming into the fold," wrote one fan on social media. "Jan is going to do great things this season!"
Conclusion
The hiring of Jan Ravnik as a pro on Dancing with the Stars has been met with both excitement and skepticism, depending on whom you ask. While some fans are eager to see what she can bring to the show, others - like Chmerkovskiy - have expressed concerns about her background and potential conflicts of interest.
Only time will tell whether Ravnik's unique combination of skills and experience will pay off in the world of competitive dance. One thing is for sure, however: this season of Dancing with the Stars is shaping up to be one to remember!
Timeline of Events
- January 2023: Taylor Swift announces that she will be working with a new backup dancer.
- February 2023: It's revealed that Jan Ravnik will be joining the cast as a pro on Dancing with the Stars.
- March 2023: Maks Chmerkovskiy expresses his discontent with the show's decision to hire Ravnik, citing concerns about her background and potential conflicts of interest.
Interviews with Key Figures
- Taylor Swift: In an interview with Rolling Stone, Swift spoke about working with Jan Ravnik as a backup dancer, saying "Jan is an incredibly talented dancer and a great friend. We've worked together for years, and I'm so excited to see her shine on Dancing with the Stars."
- Maks Chmerkovskiy: In an interview with People Magazine, Chmerkovskiy expressed his concerns about Ravnik joining the cast, saying "I think it's a mistake. Jan is a great dancer, but I don't know what's going on behind the scenes."
Fan Reactions
- @DancingWithTheStarsFan1: "I'm so excited to see Jan Ravnik on the show! She's an amazing dancer and I've loved watching her perform with Taylor Swift."
- @ChmerkovskiySucks: "I don't get why people are making such a big deal about Jan joining the cast. Maks Chmerkovskiy is being dramatic, as per usual."