Robert Irwin’s Dancing With the Stars Journey: A Family Affair

Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist, is embracing his Dancing With the Stars experience with characteristic enthusiasm and family support. In a heartwarming Instagram post, Robert shared footage of himself practicing dance moves with his 4-year-old niece Grace, daughter of his sister Bindi Irwin. “Grace is making sure my dance training continues when I get home. She is prepped and ready for season 50 of @dancingwiththestars,” Robert wrote, expressing gratitude for his family’s support during his DWTS journey. The video shows the young uncle patiently teaching Grace the kicks and flicks from his premiere night jive, guiding her through the choreography with gentle instructions. This sweet family moment highlights how the Irwin family continues to support each other in all their endeavors, maintaining their close-knit bond through life’s various adventures.

The practice session with little Grace turned even more special when Bindi, who won DWTS in 2015 with partner Derek Hough, enthusiastically praised their routine from the sidelines. Robert playfully acknowledged her approval, saying, “The mirrorball champion has approved. So, that’s a good dance… Tens, all tens.” He jokingly declared Grace the winner, telling everyone else they could go home. This lighthearted family interaction reveals not just Robert’s dedication to mastering his dance routines but also the joy and humor that characterize the Irwin family relationships. Their ability to find fun in everything they do together echoes the spirit of positivity that has made them beloved by fans worldwide. The scene perfectly encapsulates how Robert is balancing the rigorous demands of the competition with meaningful family time.

Robert’s DWTS journey began with a jive performance alongside professional partner Witney Carson during the season 34 premiere on September 16. Their energetic routine to Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” earned them a respectable score of 15 out of 20 from the judges. The choice of song seemed particularly fitting for the wildlife advocate, whose passion for conservation and adventure mirrors that of his late father, Steve Irwin. Robert’s dancing debut showed his willingness to step outside his comfort zone while maintaining the authentic enthusiasm that has become his trademark. Despite being new to ballroom dancing, Robert approached the challenge with the same determination and positive attitude that he brings to his conservation work at Australia Zoo, impressing both judges and viewers with his natural charisma.

In an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly following his performance, Robert reflected on what his father might have thought of his participation in the dance competition. “After doing this experience, I reckon I think he’d be stoked,” Robert shared, adding, “I reckon he would love it in here. This is like the ultimate adrenaline rush, and that’s what he loved more than anything else.” This touching tribute reveals how Robert continues to connect with his father’s memory through embracing new challenges with the same zest for life that characterized Steve Irwin. Robert further explained, “[My dad] showed what it is to live life at 100 percent, to lead with a sense of authentic positivity and enthusiasm, and that’s what I want to do, and that’s what I want to bring into the ballroom.” These words highlight how Robert sees his DWTS participation as an extension of his father’s legacy of living fully and passionately.

Beyond just honoring his father’s spirit through his approach to the competition, Robert expressed a desire to perform a specific routine dedicated to Steve Irwin’s memory. “I would love to pay tribute to my dad, to my family and a legacy that is so important to me,” he told Us Weekly after the live show. This intention demonstrates how deeply Robert carries his father’s influence in everything he does, even while forging his own path. The potential for such a tribute dance creates an emotional anticipation for viewers and fans of the Irwin family, who have watched Robert grow from a small child following in his father’s footsteps to a confident young man continuing the family’s conservation mission while developing his own identity. A dance honoring Steve would likely be one of the season’s most powerful moments, connecting Robert’s present journey with the profound influence that shaped him.

As Robert continues in the competition, which airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, he balances the technical demands of learning new dance styles with the emotional journey of representing his family’s legacy on a major platform. His partnership with experienced professional dancer Witney Carson appears to be off to a promising start, with Robert graciously acknowledging her contribution to his performance: “Honestly, everything out there is all thanks to Witney and all thanks to the team that we’ve got. I’m so lucky that we got this together.” This humility and appreciation for those helping him succeed reflect the values instilled in him by his parents. As the season progresses, viewers can expect to see not just Robert’s dancing skills evolve but also more glimpses into how the Irwin family values of passion, positivity, and purpose inform his approach to this new challenge. Through his participation in DWTS, Robert continues to share the Irwin family’s special magic with the world, winning hearts just as his father did, albeit on a different stage.