From the wild landscapes of Australia to the bright lights of Los Angeles, Robert Irwin has proven he can handle more than crocodiles. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist made an electrifying debut on Dancing with the Stars, earning rave reviews and securing one of the top scores of the night.
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A performance to remember
Irwin, the son of the late Steve Irwin, stepped onto the stage with professional partner Witney Carson for a fast-paced jive set to the rock classic Born to Be Wild. The routine began with Irwin leaping off a Jeep before launching into high-energy choreography that had the audience on their feet.
The judges were equally impressed, awarding the pair 15 out of 20 points and placing them in a tie for the highest score of the evening. Derek Hough, who has been part of the show for years, went so far as to say it was “probably the best first dance” he had ever seen on the programme.
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A family connection
For Irwin, this debut was more than just a television appearance. His sister, Bindi Irwin, had previously won Dancing with the Stars in 2015 with Derek Hough as her partner, and she was in the audience to cheer him on. After completing his routine, Robert rushed to embrace her, marking a touching family moment.
He revealed ahead of the performance that it was Bindi who encouraged him to take part, reminding him of the excitement and joy she had experienced during her time on the show. Reflecting on watching her win almost a decade ago, he admitted, “One day, that’s going to be me.”
Stepping outside his comfort zone
Although he grew up handling crocodiles and continuing his father’s legacy of wildlife conservation, Irwin confessed that the dance floor felt like an entirely new world. “Crocs are my comfort zone, dancing is not,” he admitted in the show’s introductory segment.
Carson, his partner, noted that beginning the competition with a jive was especially challenging, but praised Irwin’s enthusiasm and positivity throughout rehearsals. His willingness to take risks and throw himself into the routine is part of what won over both the audience and the judges.
A star in the making
Irwin’s appearance signals a new chapter for the young conservationist, who has already carved out a respected reputation for his work at Australia Zoo and his television appearances. By embracing this new challenge, he has shown a versatility that extends far beyond his famous surname.
With his debut behind him and the support of his family and fans, Robert Irwin’s journey on Dancing with the Stars looks set to be one of the season’s most talked-about stories.
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Featured Image: Instagram | robertirwinphotography
