The spotlight is about to shift once again to an Irwin. Ten years after Bindi Irwin’s unforgettable run to victory on Dancing With the Stars, her younger brother Robert is stepping into the ballroom with a mix of nerves, excitement, and one powerful secret weapon: the wisdom passed down from his sister.
On the eve of his debut, Robert opened up about the advice Bindi gave him, advice that he says has stayed with her for a decade and will now guide him as he follows in her footsteps.
A Family Legacy in the Spotlight
The Irwin name has always carried a legacy of courage, heart, and authenticity. From Steve Irwin’s daring wildlife adventures to Bindi’s emotional dance routines that won America’s heart in 2015, the family has never shied away from the public eye. Now, Robert finds himself stepping into a new kind of arena.
He admitted with a grin:
“I’m definitely out of my comfort zone here. Wrestling crocodiles feels a lot easier than a tango.”
Bindi’s Words That Still Resonate
Bindi, who won the DWTS crown alongside Derek Hough in one of the most emotional seasons in the show’s history, didn’t offer technical pointers. Instead, her guidance went straight to the heart of performance.
According to Robert, her message was simple yet profound:
“She told me, ‘Don’t try to be perfect. Just be real. People connect with your heart more than your steps.’”
It’s advice that carried Bindi through dances dedicated to her late father, moments that left audiences in tears and etched her season into the show’s lore.
Dancing Beyond Technique
Robert acknowledged that he doesn’t expect to master every routine right away. What he hopes to channel instead is the emotional storytelling that made Bindi a fan favorite.
“Bindi reminded me that it’s not just about impressing the judges,” he explained. “It’s about making people feel something. That’s what lasts.”
This perspective has already resonated with fans who still remember Bindi’s heartfelt performances. Many took to social media to express their excitement at seeing another Irwin bring authenticity to the ballroom.
One fan tweeted:
“If Robert dances with even half the heart Bindi did, we’re in for something special.”
Ten Years That Feel Like Yesterday
Though it has been a decade since her victory, Bindi’s influence on DWTS remains strong. Clips of her emotional routines continue to trend online, and her season is often revisited in anniversary retrospectives.
For Robert, that timeline feels surreal.
“It’s wild to think it’s been ten years,” he said. “I still remember sitting in the audience watching her dance and feeling so proud. Now here I am, about to do the same thing.”
A Brother-Sister Bond on Display
The sibling relationship between Robert and Bindi has always been a cornerstone of the Irwin family’s public image. In interviews, the two often share laughs, gentle teases, and mutual admiration. This time, that bond is serving as Robert’s anchor.
“She keeps reminding me to smile, to enjoy it, to just let myself have fun,” Robert added. “That’s the best advice I could get.”
Carrying the Irwin Spirit Into the Ballroom
More than just advice, Robert sees his journey as part of continuing his family’s legacy. The Irwins have always thrived on bringing joy, compassion, and energy to whatever stage they stand on — whether in a wildlife sanctuary, on television, or now under the glittering lights of DWTS.
A longtime family friend commented:
“The Irwins don’t do anything halfway. Robert is going to bring the same authenticity to dancing that his dad brought to wildlife and that Bindi brought to the ballroom.”
Fans Await His Debut
As Robert prepares for his first performance, anticipation is building. Online forums are buzzing, with fans reminiscing about Bindi’s season while placing bets on Robert’s chances. Many are eager to see if he can capture the same magic — not by replicating her steps, but by carrying forward her authenticity.
One fan wrote on Instagram:
“We don’t need Robert to be Bindi. We just want him to be Robert — with all the heart that makes him an Irwin.”
A Legacy of Heartfelt Performances
In the end, whether Robert lifts the mirrorball trophy or not, his journey already feels significant. By leaning on his sister’s advice, he’s embracing a philosophy that transcends competition: connection over perfection, sincerity over polish.
Bindi’s words, spoken a decade ago, remain the guiding force:
“People connect with your heart more than your steps.”
As Robert prepares to take his first steps onto the DWTS stage, one thing is certain — the Irwin spirit will be dancing right alongside him.
