Robert Irwin is getting some extra-special Dancing With the Stars rehearsal time before hitting the ballroom.
“Grace is making sure my dance training continues when I get home. She is prepped and ready for season 50 of @dancingwiththestars,” Robert, 21, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, September 20, referring to his sister Bindi Irwin’s 4-year-old daughter. “Seriously so grateful I have my family here supporting me on this DWTS journey.”
Robert uploaded footage showing the young conservationist holding Grace’s hand as he went over the kicks and flicks from his premiere night jive.
“Bum, ba-bum and then, we’re going to go over here,” he told Grace in the clip, as she followed his lead. “Then, we’re gonna do the same thing. Our arm comes across as we [do that part].”
After Bindi, 27, shouted that she “loved” the routine, Robert had a sweet reaction to her praise. (Bindi won DWTS in 2015 with pro partner Derek Hough.)
“The mirrorball champion has approved,” he quipped, referring to his older sister. “So, that’s a good dance. … Tens, all tens. [Grace,] you won. Everybody else can go home now. Grace has won.”
Robert performed a jive with partner Witney Carson during the season 34 premiere on September 16, where they scored a 15 out of 20 for their routine set to “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf.
“After doing this experience, I reckon I think he’d be stoked,” Robert exclusively told Us Weekly of his late father, Steve Irwin. “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.”
He continued, “[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. It’s such a privilege to be able to do that alongside Witney. And 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.”
While Robert is certain that his late dad would have loved his opening jive, he also wants to perform another routine in his honor.
“I would love to pay tribute to my dad, to my family and a legacy that is so important to me,” Robert told Us after the live show.
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
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