Taylor Swift Dancer Jan Ravnik Makes Ballroom Debut on DWTS Premiere

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16, 2025- Jan Ravnik, best known as a backup dancer on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, stepped onto the “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom floor tonight alongside partner Jennifer Affleck, showcasing high-energy choreography and revealing the key advice Swift gave him before swapping stadiums for TV.

The Eras Tour veteran’s transition to reality-TV dance competition highlights his ambition to claim the coveted Mirrorball Trophy and underscores the growing crossover between pop concert productions and prime­time entertainment.

Nut Graf

Ravnik’s first performance on ABC’s season-34 premiere brings fresh celebrity dance partnerships and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how top artists mentor rising performers. His move from global concert stages to one of television’s highest-profile dance floors demonstrates the show’s pull and the continuing appeal of pop-music talent on broadcast competition series.

Premiere Night Highlights

  • Opening Routines: Ravnik and Affleck delivered a dynamic cha-cha that earned enthusiastic applause, with judges praising their sync and stage presence.
  • Celebrity Cast: Alongside the new duo, stars including Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, NBA All-Star Baron Davis and “Boy Meets World” actress Danielle Fishel debuted with their pro partners.
  • Judges’ Feedback: Carrie Ann Inaba commended Ravnik’s “effortless showmanship,” while Bruno Tonioli noted Affleck’s “steely determination.”

Swift’s Advice Fuels Confidence

Before joining DWTS, Ravnik revealed Taylor Swift told him to “own every step” and treat every stage like it’s your own story-guidance he said has been pivotal in rehearsals and live performance. He shared that Swift’s emphasis on authenticity helped him embrace vulnerability on camera.

From Eras Tour to Mirrorball Quest

Ravnik, originally from Slovenia, built his resume with Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul before touring with Swift on 149 sold-out dates. He views DWTS as the next chapter in his dance career and aims to leverage his concert-production experience to stand out in the competition.

What’s Next

Over the coming weeks, Ravnik and Affleck will perform a series of ballroom and Latin dances, with eliminations slated to begin in early October. Fans can catch new episodes Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available next day on Hulu.