Key Highlights
- Robert Irwin has been dreaming of joining “Dancing with the Stars” since his sister Bindi won in 2015.
- Irwin felt a “weird” feeling about partnering with Witney Carson, seeing it as a full circle moment.
- Rylee Arnold had hoped to be Irwin’s DWTS partner but was paired with another contestant instead.
- The 21-year-old Australian wildlife conservationist and the pro dancer are frontrunners in the 34th season of ABC’s ballroom competition.
Robert Irwin’s Journey to “Dancing with the Stars”
For many years, Robert Irwin, a well-known Australian wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, had a dream that he would one day join “Dancing with the Stars.” His journey began almost a decade ago when his sister Bindi won the mirrorball trophy in 2015. Speaking on The Viall Files, Robert shared, “It was interesting because my sister did this show in what, 2015, 2016? I was 11 years old, and since then I wanted to do this show, like I really wanted to.” At the time, he was just a child with no idea how far into the future his dream would extend.
The “Weird” Feeling
Throughout the years, Irwin often joked about his future DWTS spot with casting director Deena Katz. He described having a strange feeling that if he ever did get on the show, it would be partnered with Witney Carson. “I kind of always had it in my mind,” he said. “We always sort of, as a family, we would always kind of talk about ‘I bet I’d end up getting partnered with Witney,’ and I kind of just, it was this weird feeling I had. I had this feeling if I ever do the show, I just kept thinking it’s going to be Witney.” This “weird” feeling proved prophetic as Irwin’s first DWTS experience unfolded.
A Full Circle Moment
The moment Robert Irwin learned he would be partnering with Witney Carson was both surreal and emotional. “When I came into this experience and we did our first meeting, which they capture on camera, and Witney was standing there I just felt this sense of ‘whoa, this is a full circle moment,'” he recalled. “Like this is 10 years in the making. Here we are. And I instantly felt so protected.” Irwin’s feelings towards Carson have evolved into something more than just a partner; she has become like an older sister to him.
Unfulfilled Dreams
Rylee Arnold, a 20-year-old dancer who had also expressed interest in partnering with Robert Irwin, was paired with Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik instead. Speaking on Us Weekly, Arnold mentioned her hope of being partnered with the Australian zookeeper: “I would love to have him as a partner. I think that would be so fun.” Despite the missed opportunity, both dancers are now frontrunners in their 34th season, ready to showcase their talents.
A Front Runner in Season 34
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson’s partnership has quickly become a topic of interest among DWTS fans. As the show progresses, viewers will be watching closely as this long-awaited reunion unfolds. With Robert’s unique background and Witney’s expertise, their performances are sure to captivate audiences.
In conclusion, Robert Irwin’s journey to “Dancing with the Stars” is a testament to his perseverance and passion for entertainment.
His partnership with Witney Carson represents more than just a dance routine; it symbolizes a decade-long dream finally coming true. As the competition heats up in Season 34, fans are eagerly anticipating what this duo has in store.
