When Jan Ravnik, a professional dancer from Slovenia signed on with ABC for Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars, the entertainment world got a jolt of excitement. The announcement aired live during the August 28, 2025 episode of Good Morning America from New York City, and it wasn’t just another casting slip‑up – it was the first time a principal dancer from Taylor Swift’s record‑breaking Eras Tour would step into the ballroom arena. ABC confirmed the move on August 27, 2025, noting that Ravnik, now based in Los Angeles, will bring the same high‑octane precision that dazzled crowds in 149 shows across five continents to a studio audience at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.
From Stadium Lights to Ballroom Floors
Ravnik’s career trajectory reads like a modern‑day dance odyssey. After training at the Ljubljana Academy of Music, Dance and Theatre, he migrated to LA in 2018 at age 22 and quickly became a fixture in the pop‑culture circuit. He cut his teeth as a backup dancer for Jennifer Lopez during her 2023–2024 Las Vegas residency at the Zappos Theater, and later joined Bruno Mars on the 2022–2024 “An Evening with Silk Sonic” tour, performing at 87 international venues.
The Eras Tour, which ran from March 17, 2023 to December 8, 2024, was a cultural juggernaut: it grossed $2.078 billion, averaged 68,000 fans per night, and sold out every arena on the itinerary. Ravnik was one of exactly 16 principal dancers who helped choreograph the spectacle’s massive, stadium‑scale numbers. His pre‑recorded statement on GMA summed it up: “I traveled all around the world with the Eras Tour and now I’m coming to the ballroom stage with ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ The Mirrorball never goes out of style and we are ready to win it.”
Eras Tour Numbers that Set the Bar
To put the scale into perspective, the tour’s $261.6 million theatrical run of the concert film (through Dec 31, 2023) added a fresh revenue stream for Swift’s brand. Each show’s average ticket price hovered around $147, and merchandise sales topped $30 million in just the first six months. Those figures dwarfed many traditional Broadway productions, underscoring why a dancer with Ravnik’s résumé is a coveted asset for any television dance competition.
Industry analysts, like Jessica Lin of The Hollywood Reporter, estimate Ravnik’s annual DWTS salary at $150,000‑$200,000 – a respectable figure that reflects his mid‑career status on the series.
DWTS Season 34: Cast, Production, and Expectations
Season 34 kicks off on September 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC, with a simultaneous stream on Disney+ and next‑day availability on Hulu. The two‑hour premiere will be filmed before a live audience of 300 at the Walt Disney Studios lot – the sixth straight season shot in the 30,000‑square‑foot Burbank studio that ABC moved into in 2022.
Returning judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli will judge the new batch of celebrity contestants, which already includes Robert Irwin (the 29‑year‑old Australian wildlife photographer), TikTok star Alex Earl (34, 12.7 million followers), and reality‑TV duo Jen Affleck and Whitney V. Levit from Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” The celebrity‑partner pairings for those names, as well as for Ravnik, will be revealed on September 3, 2025 during a special GMA segment.
Executive producer Tyra Banks, who helmed the show from 2019‑2022 and returned in a behind‑the‑scenes capacity, praised Ravnik’s addition: “His technical precision and stage presence, honed on Swift’s meticulously choreographed stadium shows, will bring unprecedented energy to our ballroom.”
Reactions from the Dance Community
Veteran DWTS pro Witney Carson called the news “a game‑changer,” noting that Ravnik’s experience with synchronized lighting cues and massive crowd dynamics could raise the bar for everyone else. Meanwhile, ballroom historian Markus Feldman warned that “the television format is a very different beast; stage theatrics must translate into intimate partner connection.”
Fans have already started a hashtag frenzy – #RavnikOnDWTS – with over 65,000 mentions on Twitter within the first six hours of the GMA reveal. Some Swift superfans hope to see a nod to the Eras Tour in a themed dance, perhaps a “Love Story” waltz that mirrors the singer’s 2023 hit.
Why This Matters for Future Talent
Ravnik’s move underscores a broader trend: high‑profile concert dancers eyeing televised ballroom as a new career horizon. The crossover could reshape casting strategies, encouraging producers to scout talent from arena tours rather than traditional ballroom schools. If Ravnik makes it to the final, the “Mirrorball” trophy – named after Len Goodman’s iconic award – could become a symbol of that new hybrid dance era.
Moreover, the partnership between ABC and Disney+ continues to blur the lines between linear broadcast and streaming, offering dancers a wider audience and potentially higher royalties from digital viewership.
Key Facts
- Jan Ravnik announced as DWTS professional on August 27, 2025 (ABC announcement).
- Ravnik previously danced for Taylor Swift’s $2.078 billion Eras Tour (149 shows).
- Season 34 premieres September 16, 2025 on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu.
- Judges: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
- Executive producer: Tyra Banks; filmed at Walt Disney Studios, Burbank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jan Ravnik’s background with the Eras Tour influence his DWTS performance?
Ravnik’s experience choreographing massive stadium productions means he’s used to precise timing, synchro lighting cues, and high‑energy storytelling. Those skills translate into intricate footwork and dramatic lifts that can wow both judges and a studio audience, potentially raising the technical standard for the season.
Who are the other new professional dancers joining Season 34?
Alongside Ravnik, the roster adds seasoned pros like Valentin Chmerkovskiy (returning for his 24th season) and newcomer Mia Rossi, a Latin‑dance champion from the World Dance Awards.
When will the full celebrity‑partner pairings be announced?
ABC confirmed that the complete line‑up, including who will dance with Ravnik, will be revealed on the September 3, 2025 edition of Good Morning America at 7:00 a.m. ET.
What is the significance of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy?
Named after the iconic judge Len Goodman, the Mirrorball Trophy is DWTS’s highest honor, symbolizing perfect synchronization, charisma, and technical mastery. Winning it not only earns fame but can open doors to tours, endorsements, and teaching opportunities.
Will the season be available for streaming after the live broadcast?
Yes. Episodes will stream live on Disney+ and appear on Hulu the following day, giving both subscribers and casual viewers access to the full competition.
