Prepare the “mirror ball”!
Jan Ravnik, one of Taylor Swift’s ERAS tour dancers, has officially participated in “Dancing With the Stars” as a new professional for season 34 of the dance competition show.
“Mirrorball never loses style and we’re ready to win it,” the dancer cried at a live announcement at “Good Morning America” on Thursday, just two days after Swift revealed his engagement to Travis Kelse.
Ravnik quickly became a fan favorite during his ERAS tour when clips of the hanky backup dancers began to go viral on social media.
In a heartwarming post shared on Instagram when the tour was rewind in December, the competitive dancer thanked the “Bad Blood” singer for “changes in (his) life.”
“I never imagined playing in front of sold-out stadiums around the world. Every night I was able to share the stage with the most dedicated, creative and passionate people,” he continued.
“Thank you for setting up a bar for Taylor. We all got up to the challenge and we made memories. We shared laughs and tears along the way. I can easily say that these were the best years of my life, not the same person I was two years ago.”
Interestingly, the ERAS tour featured the choreography of Mandy Moore, who served as a guest judge for “Dancing with the Stars” on the November 2023 show “Taylor Swift Night.”
“I’m digging her music, I dig her, I love her vision…I’m so happy to join a team with someone,” she told Page 6 exclusively at the time.
“And I’m not going to say it’s easy – it was a ton of numbers in a very short time – but I have to say I went to work every day, I was just like, ‘This is amazing.’ ”
Ravnik is best known for his dance on the record-breaking Eras Tour – and featured in the “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” concert film – The Heartthrob has a very impressive dance background that goes beyond the world stage of pop stars.
The Slovenian native has performed with stars such as Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars and Paula Abdul, and has adorned the show stages of many awards over the years, including the Oscars and the Billboard Music Awards.
Additionally, he has won multiple national, European and world champion titles.
Most recently, Ravnik worked with Morrisball champion Jenna Johnson to serve on a stunning modern routine set on Billie Eilish’s cover of Kelly Clarkson, “happier than ever.”
The dance choreographed by Ravnik received much love from other “DWTS” pros and former contestants, including Val Chmerkovskiy, Daniella Karagach, Alan Bersten, Emma Slater, Joey Graziadei, Kaitlyn Bristowe and Christell Stause.
Naturally, the upload of this video has sparked major fan speculation from fans online, with many wondering whether Lovenik will be able to participate in next season.
Ravnik’s casting news comes in reports that he will “swap” veteran Pro Gleb Savchenko. However, sources say he was cast as an exciting new addition. He is not a replacement for a Russian dancer.
The full list of season 34 celebrities and professional dancers will be officially announced on September 3rd in “Good Morning America.”
Although ABC has not commented on casting rumors, the network has already confirmed the four stars competing for the coveted Lengthodman Mirror Ball Trophy this fall.
Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin was first revealed, followed by influencers Aliciall and Jen Affleck and Whitney Leebitt from “The Secret Life of a Mormon Wife.”
Earl, 24, and Irwin, 21, were found Wednesday leaving rehearsals at a studio in Los Angeles.
“Dance Time” and Earl later wrote via Instagram stories along with a photo of the mirror taken on the dance floor. She also shared a video of herself preparing to meet her partner for the first time.
“A week until you know everything (who it is)!!” she captioned it.
Meanwhile, Affleck, 26, and Leavitt, 32, have bullied their dance moves in various videos that have been shared with Tiktok and Instagram over the past few weeks.
“Readyyyyyyyyyyy,” Leavitt captioned one of the clips. “Momtok has arrived!!!”
Judge Derek Hough commented on the video, writing, “Y’all look right at home 🙌 Now get practice,” while his sister, co-host Julianne Hough, added, “Werk ladies 🔥🔥🔥.”
The season 34 premiere of “Dancing With the Stars” begins on Tuesday, September 16th at ABC and Disney+. In the meantime, stay tuned to Page 6 for all the latest updates to the Dance Competition series.
