A Surprising Return to the Ballroom

Jan Ravnik admits that his path to Dancing With the Stars was unconventional and unexpected. At 31, the dancer revealed in a recent interview that the show was never part of his career aspirations, adding that he feels genuinely surprised to be invited back for season 35.

“I have never watched this show in my life,” Ravnik shared. “It wasn’t on my board. And I’m still a little bit shocked that I’m back.”


Overcoming Initial Hurdles

Ravnik’s journey with the show began in 2025 as part of the pro troupe, following a scouting opportunity by executive producer Deena Katz while Ravnik was performing on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. His entry into the competition was met with skepticism due to his lack of a traditional ballroom background. Notably, veteran pro Maks Chmerkovskiy previously questioned his suitability for the role.

Despite the external pressure, Ravnik managed to navigate his debut season alongside partner Jen Affleck, ultimately reaching ninth place. Reflecting on the experience, he noted the personal growth he achieved during the process:

“Just try to ignore the background noise happening around you. I learned that I’m a very patient person, which I didn’t know. It’s just to find ways to humble yourself, but still love yourself at the same time. This job, you need to humble yourself a lot.”

Strategic Changes for Season 35

Now partnered with actress Tatyana Ali, Ravnik is applying the lessons he learned during his first year. He emphasizes that he has gained a much better understanding of the show’s behind-the-scenes operations, including camera work and music production.

In his first season, Ravnik admits he often felt like he was just “going with the flow,” which sometimes left him struggling with stylistic choices that didn't suit his partner. He describes a more proactive approach for his second outing:

  • Pre-production preparation: Spending time in the studio with Ali to test various styles and movements.
  • Identifying strengths: Determining what his partner is physically capable of before the show forces specific styles.
  • Greater assertiveness: Being willing to advocate for his partner’s needs, stating, “Now I’m more comfortable, and put my foot down and be like, ‘Hey, we’re not doing that.’”

As the competition continues, Ravnik hopes this newfound confidence and production knowledge will lead to a more successful season on the dance floor.