- Oct, 9 2025
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When Yan Ravnik, a Los Angeles‑based dancer and choreographer stepped onto the Dancing with the Stars ABC Television Center stage, fans of the glitter‑filled TV ballroom knew something big was happening. The announcement came live on Good Morning America on August 28, 2024, broadcast from Times Square Studios in New York, and it instantly linked two very different worlds: the high‑octane pop spectacle of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and the classic, sequined competition of DWTS.
How a Viral Tour Moment Turned Into a TV Deal
Ravnik earned worldwide recognition as one of the 16 backup dancers on the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, a global trek that rolled out 149 shows across five continents from March 17, 2023, to December 8, 2024. A single clip of him twirling beside Swift during the "Midnights" set went viral on TikTok and Instagram in June 2023, racking up millions of views and spawning countless memes. The exposure didn’t just boost his follower count; it gave him a platform that the show's producers couldn’t ignore.
“I travel all around the world with Era store and now I’m coming to the ballroom stage for Dancing with the Stars,” Ravnik said on air, flashing a grin that seemed half‑proud, half‑nervous. “Mirrorball never goes out of style and we are ready to win it.” The Mirrorball Trophy, a 28‑inch, 15‑pound crystal masterpiece crafted by Swarovski, has become a coveted prize for every professional‑celebrity pair since the show’s 2005 debut.
DWTS Season 34: What We Know So Far
Season 34 marks the second year the series has returned to ABC after a brief stint on Disney+. The ten‑episode run will kick off on Monday, September 16, 2024, with live performances taped at the iconic ABC Television Center, 4151 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. Each Monday night, a pair will be eliminated until the final showdown crowns a new champion.
The production is a joint effort between BBC Studios Los Angeles and The Walt Disney Company. Both companies have a long track record of delivering polished, crowd‑pleasing entertainment, and they’re betting that Ravnik’s fresh ballroom swagger will lure a younger, music‑obsessed audience.
Meet the Rest of the Cast
Alongside Ravnik, the show has confirmed 15 other professionals. Among the celebrity lineup, four names have already been revealed:
- Robert Irwin, the 30‑year‑old Australian conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, will represent Wildlife Warriors Worldwide.
- Alex Earl, a fast‑growing American TikTok creator known for dance‑challenge videos.
- Jen Affleck and Whitney Levit, both stars of Netflix’s reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, will bring a touch of Utah‑born faith‑based storytelling to the floor.
The remaining eight celebrity contestants and their professional partners will be announced between September 1 and 7, a window that’s already generated a frenzy of speculation on Twitter and fan forums.
Why Ravnik’s Move Matters
From a business standpoint, Ravnik bridges two lucrative markets: streaming‑era concert tours and prime‑time network TV. His presence could attract Swift’s massive fanbase, which numbers in the hundreds of millions, to tune in every Monday. That, in turn, translates to higher ad revenues for ABC and stronger negotiating power for future sponsorship deals.
For the show’s creative direction, Ravnik’s background in large‑scale pop productions promises fresh choreography that blends ballroom technique with contemporary stagecraft. Expect more LED‑lit props, pop‑song medleys, and perhaps a nod to Swift’s “Eras” aesthetic—think glittering costumes and thematic storytelling that goes beyond the usual Latin or foxtrot routines.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
In the next few days, DWTS will roll out promotional clips featuring Ravnik rehearsing with a yet‑to‑be‑revealed celebrity partner. Those teasers are likely to highlight the contrast between his tour‑season stamina and the more intimate, storytelling focus of ballroom dance.
Industry insiders also predict that the show might experiment with a “tour‑style” episode, where the pair performs on a set reminiscent of a concert arena, complete with pyrotechnics and a live band. If that pans out, it could set a new standard for reality competition productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Yan Ravnik’s pop‑tour experience influence his coaching on DWTS?
Ravnik’s tenure on the Eras Tour taught him how to command massive stages, sync with elaborate lighting, and keep energy high for long sets. Viewers can expect his celebrity partners to receive choreography that blends classic ballroom steps with stage‑craft tricks—like using props or building narrative arcs within a three‑minute routine.
When and where will DWTS Season 34 be filmed?
All live performances will be recorded at the ABC Television Center on West Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. The first episode airs on September 16, 2024, with new episodes dropping each Monday night.
Which other celebrities have been confirmed for Season 34?
So far the show has announced conservationist Robert Irwin, TikTok creator Alex Earl, and reality‑TV personalities Jen Affleck and Whitney Levit. The remaining eight celebrity contestants will be revealed during the first week of September.
What does this casting mean for ABC’s ratings?
Bringing a dancer who rode the wave of a $261.6 million‑grossing concert film could boost viewership, especially among younger demographics that follow Swift on social media. Higher ratings translate into stronger ad slots and potentially more investment in high‑budget production elements for future seasons.
Will the Mirrorball Trophy get a redesign for this season?
There’s no official word on a redesign. However, producers have hinted at a new lighting display that will make the trophy’s 1,092 Swarovski crystals sparkle even brighter during the finale.
Maxwell Radford
I'm Maxwell Radford, a passionate news analyst living in Australia. My area of expertise includes business, general news, and arts, and I take immense pleasure in delivering deep insights about these subjects to my readers. I have worked with different media outlets enhancing my knowledge and honing my writing skills. Capturing the nuances of finance and the creative world in my writings is what I strive for.