Robert Irwin’s journey on Dancing with the Stars is more than just a competition; it’s the fulfillment of a decade-long dream, deeply rooted in family legacy and inspired by his sister Bindi Irwin’s past mirrorball victory. From an excited 11-year-old fan to a frontrunner, Robert is dancing to honor his iconic father, Steve Irwin, and has even revealed a ‘weird feeling’ about partnering with Witney Carson.
The ballroom stage of Dancing with the Stars has often been a place where celebrities share personal stories, but for Robert Irwin, his current participation is the culmination of a wish he’s held for over a decade. The 21-year-old Australian wildlife conservationist, known globally as the son of the legendary ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin, is currently charming audiences alongside his professional partner, Witney Carson.
A Childhood Dream Sparked by Sister Bindi
The roots of Robert’s DWTS aspirations trace back to 2015, when his older sister, Bindi Irwin, captivated the world and won season 21 of the show with partner Derek Hough. A resurfaced video from that year shows a then 11-year-old Robert, brimming with enthusiasm, telling New Zealand TV host Dominic Bowden he “would love to” compete on the show as a celebrity. He eagerly added, “That would be so much fun!”
This early excitement wasn’t just fleeting. Robert has consistently spoken about his desire to join the show. In an exclusive interview, when he was 18, Robert told Entertainment Tonight that he was “ready” and that he “reckon it’s about time” he took to the dance floor. This consistent public interest highlights that his current participation is a deeply personal goal.
Before his season began, Robert confessed to People that competing “scares me more than anything else I’ve ever done.” However, he took this leap of faith because of his sister’s inspiring journey. “I remember coming to every live taping to watch her and thinking, ‘One day I have to do this.’” Bindi, now 27, has been a constant presence in the ballroom, cheering on her brother almost every week since the September 16 premiere, expressing how “really proud” she is of him – a sentiment Robert says “means everything.”
Manifesting a Partnership with Witney Carson
Adding another layer to his unique DWTS story, Robert revealed during an October 2025 appearance on the Viall Files that he had a “weird feeling” he would be partnered with Witney Carson. This wasn’t a sudden thought, but a premonition he’d held for years, even joking about his future spot with casting director Deena Katz.
Upon meeting Witney, Robert described it as a “full circle moment” – a feeling of destiny 10 years in the making. He instantly felt “protected” and now views Witney as an “older sister,” emphasizing the strong bond that has formed between the dancing duo. This intuition contrasts with popular fan speculation, as many had anticipated Robert would be paired with pro dancer Rylee Arnold, who had publicly expressed interest in dancing with the wildlife enthusiast in previous seasons.
A Family Affair: Support and Legacy
The Irwin family’s presence in the ballroom underscores the personal significance of Robert’s participation. His mom, Terri Irwin, Bindi’s husband Chandler Powell, and Bindi’s daughter, Grace Warrior, were all in attendance at the premiere. Robert shared with Extra that his family is “everything to me,” and their support through the “incredible whirlwind adrenaline rush” of the show “means everything.”
Beyond his immediate family, Robert’s journey is a tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin, who tragically died in 2006. Robert candidly expressed, “I’m doing this and I do what I do in life to make him proud.” He sees the intense dedication required for DWTS as mirroring his father’s approach to life: “Dad was the person who just gave everything he did, everything he had, truly… You’ve got to put every single fiber of your energy into this, and you get all of that back.”
The family’s deep connection to dance isn’t new; Terri Irwin once joked that watching Robert dance would be “like watching your dad dance… really entertaining.” Bindi’s own mirrorball trophy even holds a place of honor in a “Bindi shrine” at the Australia Zoo, a testament to the family’s cherished memories from the show.
More Than a Competitor: A Beloved ‘Funcle’
While dominating the dance floor, Robert also embraces his role as “funcle” to his niece, Grace Warrior. He takes immense pride in teaching her guitar and sharing the joys of life at the Australia Zoo. His commitment to his family and the preservation of his father’s legacy shines through every aspect of his public life, making him a fan favorite and a true embodiment of the Irwin spirit on Dancing with the Stars.
