Robert Irwin credits sister Bindi's DWTS guidance as he leans into 'the moment' on the ballroom stage

Robert Irwin is embracing the challenge of Dancing With the Stars, acknowledging that stepping into the ballroom comes with big shoes to fill. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist spoke about the experience in an exclusive chat inside the DWTS ballroom on Tuesday night, crediting the unwavering support and specific guidance he has received from his sister, Bindi Irwin, the Season 21 mirrorball champion paired with Derek Hough. Bindi’s message, he said, was simple but resonant: lean into the moment and savor every second, because the journey goes by in a blink. She was there throughout the three-month arc of her own DWTS run, and her words carried a practical weight for her younger brother as he begins his own competition journey.

The Irwin family’s presence has been a steady undercurrent for Robert and his pro partner, Witney Carson. He described Bindi as “everything” to him, a description that extended beyond dancing to the broader arc of life. He recalled that Bindi has always been there as an almost “second mom,” a role that helped shape his decision to take on the competition in the first place. His mother, Terri Irwin, and the rest of the family have followed along, lending moral support and a sense of continuity that contrasts with the high-pressure, choreographic world of DWTS. In describing Bindi’s influence, Robert highlighted the way her advice aligns with the ethos Carson has been instilling in rehearsals: soak in every moment, because the opportunity is finite and meaningful far beyond the dance floor.

Carson, a Season 19 mirrorball winner herself with Alfonso Ribeiro, has been equally direct about managing expectations on a show where nerves can run high. She told Page Six that the key is to take the competition one week at a time and focus on controllable elements. Her message echoes what Bindi has been saying, and the two are united in emphasizing that there is a larger purpose to DWTS: it’s about the feelings created for viewers, not just the scores. Carson also lavished praise on Robert’s readiness to absorb feedback and translate it into performance, describing him as someone who brings energy, focus, and a sense of duty to the rehearsal room. That mentorship dynamic, she said, is part of what makes this season particularly compelling as fans watch a family legacy converge with a proven track record on the dance floor.

As the season has unfolded, pundits have begun labeling Robert a frontrunner, a label that fans have circulated on social media as the competition progresses. The chatter is tempered by the reality of DWTS: the show remains unpredictable, and a string of strong weeks is required to truly secure the mirrorball. Carson underscored the practicalities of the season, emphasizing that even as expectations rise, the best approach is to control what one can control and to continue delivering daily hard work. For Robert, that means balancing the adrenaline of live TV with a steady, measured focus on technique and storytelling through dance.

During the Tuesday edition, the pair tackled a tango to Move Your Feet by Junior Senior during One-Hit Wonders Night. The performance kept them on the leaderboard’s top tier, earning 22 out of 30 from judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. The score tied them for first place with Whitney Leavitt, who stars in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and her pro partner Mark Ballas. The routine surfaced against a backdrop of broader narrative momentum: a week prior, Hough had lauded Robert’s premiere-night jive to Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf as the best first dance in DWTS history, a remark that intensified expectations for the young Irwin as he navigates the ballroom spotlight. For Robert, the reception has been a mix of humility and gratitude: an affirmation that the childhood dream of dancing on television remains alive and exhilarating, especially when pursued alongside a veteran partner like Carson.

The feedback from the judges and the public reception have converged to frame DWTS as a proving ground not just for dance ability but for resilience and poise under pressure. Robert has publicly acknowledged how meaningful it is to share this journey with Witney, whose own track record on the show provides a steadying influence in the rehearsal room and on performance nights. The couple has consistently punctuated their week with a blend of technique, musicality and an emphasis on storytelling—an approach that aligns with Bindi’s broader philosophy about savoring moments and letting emotion connect with audiences. The family’s presence in the studio and on set has been a tangible reminder of where Robert’s inspiration comes from and why this challenge matters to him beyond the awards or critiques.

Looking ahead, DWTS will return next Tuesday with TikTok Night, a format twist that has become a focal point of this season’s anticipated programming. Viewers can watch at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with subsequent episodes arriving on Hulu the following day. For Robert and Witney, the upcoming slate provides an opportunity to continue weaving their technique with the show’s evolving themes while keeping the Irwin family’s support at the forefront. The path to a potential mirrorball trophy remains crowded with formidable talent, but the combination of a supportive family, a seasoned partner, and a relentless work ethic has positioned Robert as a compelling presence in this year’s DWTS competition.

As the competition advances, the Irwin family’s influence and the performance narrative surrounding Robert continue to deepen. Bindi’s role in shaping his outlook—emphasizing presence, gratitude and savoring the moment—has become an undercurrent that informs not just dance choices but his approach to the entire DWTS experience. And while the journey remains uncertain, the combination of familial support, expert coaching, and a growing public profile ensures that Robert Irwin’s DWTS chapter is one that will keep viewers watching, week after week, as he aims to mirror his sister’s triumph while writing his own chapter in the family’s ongoing legacy on screen and stage.

What has become clear through the early weeks is that the Irwin family’s presence extends beyond a single vote of confidence. It is a reminder that DWTS is as much about personal growth and storytelling as it is about choreography and technique. For Robert, every rehearsal, every critique, and every live performance is part of a larger arc that honors his father, Steve Irwin, and his mother, Terri, while inviting viewers to connect with a younger generation carrying forward a conservationist legacy into popular culture. In that sense, the season is not just about winning a trophy; it’s about demonstrating how a family’s shared commitment to purpose and passion can elevate a personal dream into a shared public celebration.