Los Angeles: The Halloween week on Dancing With the Stars is always packed with dramatic themes, elaborate costumes and intensified competition, but for professional dancer Jan Ravnik and celebrity contestant Jen Affleck, it turned into an unexpectedly final chapter. The duo was eliminated on Tuesday night’s episode after performing a contemporary routine set to Taylor Swift’s Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Look What You Made Me Do.”
Ravnik, who built an enormous fan following as one of Swift’s most visible dancers during the global Eras Tour, embraced a rugged vampire persona for the Halloween special. His partner, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives personality Jen Affleck, sported a blood-red costume that matched the theme with theatrical flair. Their performance was visually impressive, incorporating energetic spins, aerial lifts and contemporary choreography built around tension and character drama. The performance earned them a score of 34 from the judging panel — competitive, but ultimately not enough to secure safety from elimination.
Speaking after the show, Ravnik expressed deep gratitude rather than disappointment. “I got all the love from this show,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “I’m proud of Jen. She worked so hard, and that’s what matters.” His comments reflected the sportsmanship and humility that have contributed to his growing popularity among fans.
A Fan Favorite Beyond the Ballroom
For viewers unfamiliar with Ravnik before this season, his résumé is nothing short of impressive. The Slovenian dancer became internationally recognized through Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, performing on-stage in stadiums around the world for nearly two years. His high-energy performance style and playful interaction with Swift’s audiences helped him emerge as a fan-favorite member of her ensemble.
Even after the tour wrapped in December 2024, Swift continued working with Ravnik. Most notably, he appeared in the music video for her Hot 100-topping single “The Fate of Ophelia,” part of her Life of a Showgirl era. The inclusion further cemented his place within the pop superstar’s creative orbit.
Criticism From DWTS Veterans
Ravnik’s elimination arrives amid scattered debate in the ballroom dance world, sparked by comments from former DWTS pros Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd. On Murgatroyd’s podcast, The Penthouse With Peta, Chmerkovskiy declared that Ravnik had “absolutely no business being a pro” on Dancing With the Stars. He argued that Ravnik lacked ballroom foundation, technique, partnership understanding and competitive training — elements he views as essential to the show’s original format.
Murgatroyd echoed the sentiment, saying the idea of hiring a dancer without formal ballroom credentials to teach a celebrity on national television was “outrageous.” Their comments fueled online conversation, including among longtime DWTS fans who have watched the show evolve from strict ballroom rules toward a broader dance spectrum.
Ravnik responded with measured calm. “The people who are trying to stay relevant, spreading the hate — this is not a way to do it,” he said. His remarks suggested confidence in his artistic approach and experience rather than defensiveness.
Evolution of the Show Itself
The debate touches on a growing tension within DWTS: should it remain a ballroom show, or embrace contemporary commercial performance? Having artists like Ravnik represent modern touring choreography appeals to younger audiences and reflects pop culture trends. However, ballroom purists argue the essence of the format is at risk.
Ravnik’s casting symbolized that ongoing shift — one that divides opinions, but undeniably broadens interest.
Affleck’s Journey on the Show
Jen Affleck approached the competition with limited dance experience and faced pressure both from fans of her reality series and critics skeptical of her ability to perform in a ballroom setting. Week after week, however, she demonstrated steady improvement. Ravnik’s coaching emphasized expression, strength and character — qualities seen clearly in their Halloween routine.
Despite elimination, Affleck leaves with a newfound respect for dance training. In off-camera moments, she often spoke about discovering confidence, discipline and appreciation for movement artistry.
Social Media Reaction
Minutes after elimination, social platforms lit up with messages from Swift fans, Eras Tour followers, and DWTS loyalists. Many praised Ravnik for bringing theatricality to the ballroom, while others admitted they were disappointed not to see how far the pair might have gone. A widespread sentiment emerged: Ravnik’s presence brought fresh energy to the screen.
What’s Next for Ravnik
Though his time on the dance floor is temporarily over, opportunities ahead appear plentiful. With Swift continuing to dominate the cultural conversation, Ravnik’s connection to her live and visual performances keeps him in the spotlight. His growing U.S. fan base will likely follow his next steps — whether in touring, choreography, stage projects, or on-camera work.
For now, he leaves DWTS with admiration from viewers, respect from his partner and the momentum of pop culture relevance. And for audiences who watched him through stadium lights, slick camera frames and now ballroom mirrors, one thing is clear: Jan Ravnik is far from done dancing.