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Former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Louis van Amstel has weighed in on the recent controversy involving Maksim Chmerkovskiy and show newcomer Jan Ravnik — and he agrees with Maks’s stance.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, van Amstel, who appeared in 11 seasons of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), shared his thoughts on Chmerkovskiy’s candid comments about Ravnik’s qualifications as a new professional dancer on the long-running competition series.
“There was a little riff going on about Maks criticizing Jan,” van Amstel said. “I have to agree — the content of what Maks was talking about, I totally agree. Jan has no ballroom dance experience. You can see it. He has no teaching experience, but he is a fantastic dancer and an even better person.”
Louis van Amstel Agrees with Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s Assessment
Van Amstel didn’t hold back his opinion, noting that while Ravnik may be talented, his lack of ballroom and teaching experience is apparent.
“Do I agree with Maks that Jan has no ballroom experience and no teaching experience in ballroom dancing? Yes,” he continued. “And Maks always says what many people think. You can disagree with him all you want, but he says what most people are thinking.”
According to van Amstel, Chmerkovskiy often speaks his mind — sometimes too bluntly — but his honesty reflects what many in the dance community privately feel.
“People criticize Maks and attack him, and ultimately, the delivery could have been different,” van Amstel added. “But Jan would have been stupid if he said no to Dancing with the Stars. This opportunity doesn’t come twice.”
Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s Controversial Comments
The drama began on October 24, when Maksim Chmerkovskiy appeared on The Penthouse with Peta podcast and expressed strong opinions about Ravnik joining DWTS as a pro.
Chmerkovskiy argued that Ravnik, 30, had “no business being a pro on Dancing with the Stars.”
“There’s zero foundation technique, quality, or understanding of the partnership,” Chmerkovskiy said on the podcast. “It is absurd, and this is unreal how blind we have to be — and God forbid say what’s obviously there.”
His comments quickly went viral, sparking a wave of mixed reactions from fans and fellow dancers. While some supported his call for maintaining ballroom authenticity on the show, others criticized him for targeting a newcomer so harshly.
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Chmerkovskiy’s Public Apology and Effort to Reconcile
After facing backlash, Chmerkovskiy took to social media to issue a public apology to Jan Ravnik. He admitted that his approach was misguided, even if his intentions were rooted in passion for ballroom dancing.
“I had many shortcomings as a DWTS pro myself,” Chmerkovskiy confessed in his post. “I want to extend an olive branch to Jan and invite him to meet in person. We can talk, share experiences, and maybe even learn from each other.”
Van Amstel praised Chmerkovskiy’s decision to make amends publicly, calling it a “big step” toward restoring harmony among the DWTS family.
“That was big of Maks to go on social media and invite Jan publicly to go for coffee, to talk it up,” van Amstel told Us Weekly. “It shows growth. Maks has always been passionate, sometimes too outspoken, but his heart is in the right place.”
Jan Ravnik’s Rising Career and the Future of DWTS
Jan Ravnik, known for his work as a backup dancer on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, is making waves as one of the newest pros on Dancing with the Stars. While he may not have traditional ballroom training, his contemporary and commercial dance background brings a fresh energy to the show.
Many fans believe that DWTS has evolved beyond its ballroom roots, now celebrating a variety of dance styles. Ravnik’s inclusion, they argue, reflects this evolution — introducing new choreography styles and attracting younger audiences.
Still, the debate over ballroom authenticity versus modern versatility continues among purists and long-time viewers.
Van Amstel concluded his thoughts by emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism and growth. “At the end of the day, we’re all part of the same dance community,” he said. “We want the show to thrive, to inspire, and to keep dancing alive — whether it’s ballroom, contemporary, or anything in between.”
As Dancing with the Stars continues its current season, fans are keeping a close eye on how Ravnik performs — and whether Chmerkovskiy and van Amstel’s critiques will ultimately prove fair or premature.
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