Get ready to shake it off… or rather, tango it out! The ‘Dancing With the Stars’ ballroom is about to get a major dose of pop star power with a new professional dancer straight from Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour. Could this new pro waltz their way to the Mirrorball Trophy?
The highly anticipated Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars is set to dazzle audiences with a fresh face from the world’s biggest pop phenomenon, as Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” dancer, Jan Ravnik, officially steps into the coveted role of a professional dancer. This announcement has ignited considerable excitement among both Swifties and long-time fans of the iconic ballroom competition.
Good Morning America made the official revelation on Thursday, August 28, confirming that Ravnik, known for his captivating performances alongside Swift, will be a prominent figure in the upcoming season. His transition from global stadium stages to the competitive ballroom marks a significant career milestone, promising a dynamic and fresh energy to the show.
In a special video message, Ravnik enthusiastically shared his excitement, stating, “Good morning, America. My name is Jan Ravnik, I’ve traveled all around the world with [the] and now I’m coming to the ballroom stage for.” He added a confident declaration, “Mirrorball never goes out of style, and we are ready to win it,” setting a high bar for his debut season.
Ravnik’s widespread recognition largely stems from his pivotal role in Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras Tour,” where he performed for nearly two years across numerous international venues. Prior to this global spectacle, he had already established himself as an accomplished dancer, gracing stages in film and television, including the 97th Academy Awards and a Christmas special, and sharing stages with other prominent artists.
Speculation regarding Ravnik’s participation surged earlier in the month, fueled by social media buzz. A purple sparkly image shared on Wednesday, August 27, by Dancing With the Stars first teased his involvement, instantly connecting with Swifties who recognized the hue as a hallmark of Swift’s “Speak Now” era. Fans quickly took to social platforms like X, expressing their excitement and accurately predicting his professional dancer status.
Further fueling the pre-season hype, a viral clip showcasing Ravnik dancing with fellow pro Rylee Arnold to an original choreography of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” circulated widely. These glimpses into his artistry, combined with iconic moments from the “Eras Tour” like his “Lavender Haze” performance with Swift, solidified public anticipation for his ballroom debut.
Ravnik has consistently expressed profound gratitude for his “Eras Tour” experience, calling it “beyond grateful” and acknowledging Swift for “changing” his life. He highlighted the dream-like reality of performing in sold-out stadiums with a dedicated team, praising Swift’s visionary choreography and the collective effort that made the tour a success. The upcoming Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars premieres on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes available on Hulu the next day. Initial celebrity contestants, including wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin and social media influencer Olivia Dunne, have already been announced, adding to the competitive intrigue.
