Maksim Chmerkovskiy On Kate Gosselin: ‘I Don’t Think She Gets The Point’ Of ‘Dancing With The Stars’

Outspoken “Dancing with the Stars” professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy has a message for competitor Kate Gosselin – get with the program.

Maks said the reality star and mother of eight, who is currently paired with Maks’ good friend Tony Dovolani, doesn’t understand the purpose of the ABC competition.

“I’ve spoken to Kate, and I don’t think she gets the point of this thing yet,” Maks wrote in his blog on TVGuide.com. “The pain on her face says it all, which is unfortunate.”

Kate has grimaced during “Dancing,” especially when the camera pans to her following a not-quite-perfect dance with Tony, or when Tom Bergeron and “DWTS” co-host Brooke Burke reveal elimination news.

Maks did have some advice though for the TLC star, writing that she needs to learn to let loose.

“The show is about finding a way to come out, enjoy yourself and have fun,” Maks wrote.

The dancer also seemed to reference the well-publicized rehearsal battle between Tony and Kate from two weeks ago, where they argued over his teaching techniques, an argument that led to Tony walking out, before returning moments later.

“Tony is trying to relay the message while responsibly getting the routine done. He has a plan, and she needs to focus and listen to him,” Maks noted. “The idea of a coach and a student is deeply rooted in us. We were taught to respect our teachers, so as teachers, we expect to be respected by our students. Every student is different, so we must teach differently, but we’re always respectful. Kate needs to trust him.”

While Maks — who is paired with ESPN analyst Erin Andrews — is competitive by nature, he said he has well wishes for Kate in the competition.

“I hope she improves and I think she can if she realizes she has an opportunity that she won’t have again,” he continued. “It’s a chance for her to focus on something other than personal drama. How many women with multiple kids sit back and reminisce about the days they could go and dance when they watch our show? How many people vicariously live through us? You need to enjoy it.”