Jan Ravnik’s DWTS Debut Sparks Swiftie Frenzy After Viral Eras Tour Moment
Zoe Bennett delivers a sharp, data-driven perspective on celebrity culture and entertainment trends, with a focus on how viral moments translate into mainstream opportunities. In a landscape where dance moves can make or break a career, few have seen their star rise as quickly as Jan Ravnik’s.
Jan Ravnik, the Slovenian-born dancer who captured global attention during Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras” Tour, has officially joined the cast of Dancing With the Stars for Season 34. The announcement, made by ABC on Thursday, marks a major career leap for Ravnik, whose shirtless ladder stunt during Swift’s “Lavender Haze” performance went viral earlier this year, racking up millions of views across TikTok and Instagram.
Ravnik, who has been a staple in Swift’s touring ensemble since 2023, is now stepping into the spotlight as a professional dancer on the long-running reality competition. While his celebrity partner has not yet been revealed, speculation is already running rampant among fans and entertainment insiders alike. Given the timing of the announcement and the purple glitter aesthetic teased by the show’s social media accounts, many have drawn connections to Swift’s recent “Life of a Showgirl” era, suggesting a possible thematic tie-in or even a guest appearance by the pop megastar herself.
Swift’s fandom, known as Swifties, has been particularly vocal in its excitement over Ravnik’s casting. Social media has been flooded with fan edits, dance breakdowns, and—predictably—calls for him to incorporate a ladder into at least one of his routines. The demand is not just nostalgic; it’s a nod to the moment that made him a household name in the first place. During a July 2024 performance in Paris, Ravnik’s choreography included a dramatic ascent up a ladder while shirtless, set against a dreamy lavender backdrop. The clip became a cultural touchstone, inspiring memes, parodies, and even a surge in ladder-related dance trends across TikTok.
While the “Eras” Tour was already a juggernaut, Ravnik’s cameo added a new layer of visual storytelling to Swift’s live show. His casting on Dancing With the Stars not only elevates the show’s dance quotient but also reflects a broader trend in entertainment: the rise of the “viral dancer” as a legitimate crossover star. From Maddie Ziegler to Shangela, dancers are increasingly becoming celebrities in their own right, and Ravnik’s trajectory is the latest example of this shift.
As Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars approaches, all eyes will be on how Ravnik adapts to the competitive ballroom environment. Known for his fluidity, stage presence, and ability to command attention, he brings a fresh energy to the roster of professional dancers. Whether he’ll be able to translate his viral fame into lasting success on the show remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jan Ravnik is no longer just a backup dancer—he’s a headline act.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds and the dance-offs heat up.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ
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