Chmerkovskiy’s Critique of Pritchard
Longtime Dancing With the Stars professional Val Chmerkovskiy has expressed clear reservations regarding the behavior of AJ Pritchard, a contestant on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro. Chmerkovskiy shared his perspective during the July 21 episode of his podcast, Stepping on Toes, which he co-hosts alongside Danielle Fishel.
The discussion centered on the second episode of the competition, where Pritchard and his partner, Selena Hamilton, were tasked with choreographing a performance based on a personal narrative. The pair chose to focus on Pritchard’s 2015 British Open Youth Latin Championship win. During their preparation, Chmerkovskiy observed Pritchard taking a dominant role, frequently critiquing Hamilton’s technique in a way that the DWTS veteran found off-putting.
The Issue of Arrogance
Chmerkovskiy noted that while Pritchard’s approach may make for compelling television, it lacked a necessary layer of humility. He stated:
«I wish he just kind of wrapped that arrogance into a little softer presentation. I get it; you did your thing, you won some awards… we all got pedigree. Everybody’s won something.»
The DWTS pro acknowledged Pritchard’s impressive background, including his four-season run on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019. However, he emphasized that past accolades do not exempt a contestant from the hard work required in the current competition. Chmerkovskiy added:
«If you are gonna show up, you’ve got to have humility in the sense that you’ve got to prove yourself right now. There’s a reason why you’re here and no longer have a job there. So be here, be present. Don’t live in the past.»
Specific Concerns During Rehearsals
Chmerkovskiy was particularly critical of a moment captured in rehearsal where Pritchard used his foot to adjust Hamilton’s hip position. This aggressive correction style stood out to Chmerkovskiy as a clear example of the attitude he feels is hindering Pritchard’s performance in the new format.
AJ Pritchard, known to audiences as the older brother of Love Island U.K. personality Curtis Pritchard, remains a focal point of the series as he attempts to navigate the challenges of The Next Pro while balancing his prior professional experience with the demands of the current show.