When Jan Ravnik, a Slovenian professional dancer was confirmed as a new pro on Dancing with the Stars Season 34, the ABC network announced on August 27, 2025, fans went wild. The 34‑year‑old, who rose to fame as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s record‑breaking Eras Tour, will now trade stadium lights for ballroom chandeliers. ABC hopes the move will pull Swift’s massive fanbase into primetime, while Ravnik looks to showcase the technique that made him a viral "heartthrob" on Instagram and TikTok.
From Stadium Stages to Ballroom Lights
The Eras Tour, which kicked off on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, and surpassed the $1 billion‑gross mark in 2024, gave Ravnik more than 100 performances across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. In those massive productions he blended contemporary, hip‑hop, and Latin moves—skills honed alongside pop megastars like Jennifer Lopez and Bruno Mars. The transition to DWTS means swapping multi‑camera concert rigs for a single live audience, where judges will dissect each pirouette and lift in real time.
"The biggest difference is the intimacy," Ravnik told The Hollywood Reporter after the announcement. "On the tour I’m part of a massive visual spectacle; on DWTS I’m right in front of the camera, and every audience member can see the nuance of my footwork. It’s a new kind of pressure, but also a huge opportunity to grow as a dancer."
What DWTS Seeks in a New Pro
DWTS, produced by BBC Studios Los Angeles (a subsidiary of BBC Studios in London) and co‑created by Ashley Edens‑Shaffer and Andrew Llinares, routinely refreshes its professional roster to keep the choreography fresh. The show’s current hosts, former pro Julianne Hough and multi‑talented entertainer Alfonso Ribeiro, have hinted that this season’s theme will lean heavily into pop‑culture moments.
Bringing Ravnik on board ticks several boxes: he’s a proven crowd‑pleaser, he carries a built‑in fanbase, and his expertise in contemporary and Latin styles fits the show’s expanding dance‑genre menu. ABC’s press release stressed that the “dynamic energy” he displayed on the Eras Tour is exactly what producers want to see when judges evaluate technical precision and performance charisma.
Fan Frenzy and Social Media Surge
Even before the official word, Ravnik’s performances sparked endless clips on TikTok. A single 15‑second snippet from the “Midnights” medley amassed 3.2 million views, while #CasteJanRavnikForDWTS trended globally in June 2025. E! News reported that a grassroots petition gathered over 120,000 signatures, prompting ABC to acknowledge the “clear demand” from Swift’s fan community.
Entertainment outlets—most notably E! News on August 28, 2025—ran a 1‑minute video titled “DWTS Casts Jan Ravnik, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Dancer, as Pro.” The piece featured backstage footage from a recent Los Angeles rehearsal, where Ravnik practiced a Latin routine with a mystery celebrity partner. Although the partner’s identity remains under wraps, insiders say casting decisions typically finalize in early September, just weeks before the season premiere slated for late September 2025.
How the Casting Fits ABC’s Strategy
ABC has a track record of leveraging cultural moments to boost viewership. In 2022 the network paired a former “American Idol” contestant with a high‑profile reality star, yielding a 12 % rise in demo ratings. This year, with the Eras Tour still dominating streaming charts and concert ticket sales, the network sees a direct correlation: viewers who adore Swift’s music are likely to tune in to see one of her on‑stage dancers.
Industry analyst Megan Lee of MediaMetrics predicts that the DWTS‑Swift crossover could push the show’s average live‑plus‑same‑day (L+SD) audience from 9.3 million to roughly 10.5 million, a 13 % bump that would place the series back into the top‑10 Friday primetime slots.
What to Expect When Jan Ravnik Hits the Dance Floor
Ravnik’s first choreography is rumored to be a fusion of contemporary storytelling and classic Latin flair—a style he perfected while dancing on stage for “24 Kissing Boys” in Seoul during the Eras Tour’s Asian leg. Expect sharp footwork, fluid lifts, and that trademark smile that made fans label him a “heartthrob.”
The show’s judges—Leny Boy, Miriam Murray, and former champion Donny Osmond—are known for rewarding versatility. If Ravnik can translate his high‑energy concert moves into the tight, elegant lines the ballroom demands, he could become the season’s breakout pro.
- Key Fact: The Eras Tour was the first world tour to gross over $1 billion.
- Ravnik has performed in more than 100 shows across five continents.
- ABC announced the casting on August 27, 2025.
- DWTS Season 34 premieres in late September 2025 on ABC.
- Hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will introduce Ravnik’s debut live.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jan Ravnik’s addition affect the show’s choreography?
Ravnik’s background in contemporary and Latin dance brings a fresh hybrid style. Expect more story‑driven routines that blend the athleticism of a stadium performance with the precision of ballroom technique.
Will Taylor Swift’s fanbase actually watch DWTS?
Early social‑media metrics show a spike in #DWTSSwift searches. ABC’s internal projections suggest a 10‑15 % viewership lift from Swift fans tuning in specifically for Ravnik.
When will Ravnik’s celebrity partner be announced?
Industry insiders say the partner will be revealed in early September 2025, just weeks before the season’s September 27 premiere.
What other dancers from major tours have joined DWTS?
While DWTS has featured Broadway and Olympic athletes, this marks the first time a dancer from a contemporary pop tour—specifically the Eras Tour—has been cast as a professional.
How might Ravnik’s presence influence future casting decisions?
If the partnership drives ratings, networks may look more often to high‑profile concert tours for talent, blending pop culture relevance with traditional dance expertise.