Val Chmerkovskiy believes AJ Pritchard’s attitude could hurt his chances of joining “Dancing with the Stars.” The ‘DWTS’ Pro Blasts ‘Arrogant’ British TV Star As He Tries To Revive Career In America first appeared on The Blast

Val Chmerkovskiy believes AJ Pritchard’s impressive dance résumé is being overshadowed by an attitude that could hurt his chances of joining “Dancing with the Stars.” The three-time mirrorball champion criticized the former “Strictly Come Dancing” professional’s interactions with 21-year-old Selena Hamilton on the summer competition series “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.” While Chmerkovskiy acknowledged Pritchard’s experience, he warned that talent alone will not win over viewers if the British dancer appears arrogant or dismissive of his partner.

Val Chmerkovskiy Calls Out AJ Pritchard’s ‘Arrogance’

Chmerkovskiy addressed Pritchard’s behavior during a recent episode of his “Stepping on Toes” podcast. “I wish he wrapped that arrogance into a little softer presentation,” the 40-year-old dancer said. “It makes good TV at his expense. I guess that’s how I want to say it.”

Pritchard is one of the dancers competing for the opportunity to become a professional on the upcoming 35th season of “Dancing with the Stars.” The audition-like format places established dancers in the unusual position of having to prove that their experience and personalities are a fit for the main ballroom competition.

Chmerkovskiy suggested that Pritchard’s past accomplishments may explain why he appears uncomfortable with having to audition for a role he seemingly believes he is already qualified to perform. However, the “DWTS” veteran argued that Pritchard is not the only contestant entering the competition with awards and professional experience.

“I get it, you did your thing, you won some awards,” Chmerkovskiy told his podcast co-host, Danielle Fishel. “We’ve all got pedigree, everybody’s won something,” he added, pointing to fellow contestant Natalie Jolley as another accomplished dancer.

Pritchard And Selena Hamilton Went Against The Challenge’s Emotional Theme

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The latest episode divided the show’s 10 contestants into pairs for a challenge based on telling a personal story through dance. Many of the performances explored emotional subjects, including grief and personal hardship. Pritchard and Hamilton took a different approach by centering their routine on his British Open Dance Championship victory. Although Chmerkovskiy recognized the significance of that accomplishment, he questioned why the routine focused entirely on Pritchard instead of incorporating Hamilton’s life.

Chmerkovskiy called the championship victory a “special moment,” but suggested that celebrating it prevented Hamilton from sharing something meaningful about herself. “I’m not really sure why, because I’m sure she also lived a life and has stories to tell,” he said of Hamilton.

Val Chmerkovskiy Says Pritchard’s Rehearsal Approach Could Be A ‘Huge Turn-Off’

Chmerkovskiy was also critical of how Pritchard interacted with Hamilton during rehearsals. Pritchard was seen physically demonstrating steps with his feet in what Chmerkovskiy described as a curt teaching style.

The “DWTS” champion acknowledged that the approach might be accepted in certain competitive dance environments, calling it “something that would be done in some rooms.” However, he did not believe it translated well to a mainstream television competition where dancers must connect with their partners and viewers.

“You’re not going to win people over unless they’re into that kind of thing … strategically for the show that is a huge turn-off,” Chmerkovskiy said, suggesting the behavior represented a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes someone successful on “Dancing with the Stars.” A professional on the show must do more than execute difficult choreography. The role also requires teaching, encouraging, and creating a partnership audiences want to support.

Chmerkovskiy Understands Why AJ Might Feel Frustrated

Despite his harsh assessment, Chmerkovskiy admitted he could understand why Pritchard might feel as though he has already proven himself. “I appreciate that he’s a well-accomplished competitive dancer and he does have experience,” Chmerkovskiy said. “I understand if he’s coming in with this feeling of like, I’m not gonna say entitlement; I don’t want to use that word.”

He continued, “But if he comes in with not a chip on his shoulder, but kind of like, ‘What am I even doing here? Why do I have to go through this process if I already know I’m good enough and I already did this?’”

Pritchard’s previous television experience on BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing” may make “The Next Pro” feel like a step backward rather than a new opportunity. Still, Chmerkovskiy argued that Pritchard knew the format when he agreed to participate. Once he accepted the opportunity, the dancer became responsible for embracing the process rather than acting as though he was above it.

Val Chmerkovskiy Tells AJ To ‘Have Humility’

Chmerkovskiy ultimately offered Pritchard a blunt piece of advice: Stop focusing on past success and demonstrate why he belongs on the American ballroom series now. “Dude, then don’t sign up for the show,” he said. “But if you are going to show up, you’ve got to have humility in the sense that you’ve got to prove yourself.”

Chmerkovskiy then directly referenced Pritchard’s transition from the British ballroom show to pursuing a position in the United States. “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,” he said.

For Chmerkovskiy, Pritchard’s experience is not the problem. His concern is how the dancer presents that experience while working with others.

The ‘DWTS’ Pro Blasts ‘Arrogant’ British TV Star As He Tries To Revive Career In America first appeared on The Blast