Val Chmerkovskiy, a three-time champion on "Dancing with the Stars," has voiced criticism regarding the attitude of British reality star AJ Pritchard during the summer series "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro." Chmerkovskiy suggested that Pritchard, who is vying for a professional dancer position on the 35th season of "Dancing with the Stars" this fall, exhibited "arrogance" and a lack of humility.
Pritchard, known for his appearances on the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing," was paired with dancer Selena Hamilton on "The Next Pro." During a challenge focused on contestants sharing personal stories, Pritchard reportedly centered the segment around his British Open Dance Championship victory, overshadowing Hamilton's own experiences. Chmerkovskiy noted that while Pritchard's competitive dancing accomplishments are recognized, his approach on the show was not conducive to winning over a wider audience.
"I wish he wrapped that arrogance into a little softer presentation," Chmerkovskiy said on his podcast "Stepping on Toes." He added that the audition-like nature of "The Next Pro" might explain Pritchard's demeanor, but emphasized that all contestants have achieved accolades. "We've all got pedigree - everybody's won something."
Chmerkovskiy suggested that Pritchard's decision to join the show implied a willingness to prove himself. "Dude, then don't sign up for the show. 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 stated. He advised Pritchard to "be here, be present, don't live in the past."
Pritchard's method of physically demonstrating dance steps to Hamilton during rehearsals was also described by Chmerkovskiy as potentially off-putting to a mainstream audience, despite acknowledging it might occur in certain professional settings. Chmerkovskiy indicated that such a direct approach could be a "huge turn-off" for the show's viewers.
"I appreciate that he's a well-accomplished competitive dancer and he does have experience," Chmerkovskiy said of Pritchard. "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. 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?'"
Chmerkovskiy, a champion dancer himself, advised Pritchard that if he signed up for the competition, he needed to demonstrate humility. He commented on the personal story challenge, noting that while Pritchard's championship win was a "special moment," it prevented Hamilton from sharing her own life experiences. "I'm not really sure why, because I'm sure she also lived a life and has stories to tell," Chmerkovskiy said of Hamilton.
Representatives for Chmerkovskiy and Pritchard did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.