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Robert Irwin just had the most heartwarming Dancing With the Stars rehearsal – and it came with a special guest. The 21-year-old conservationist shared a new Instagram video from the season 34 rehearsal space, where he and pro partner Witney Carson welcomed his 4-year-old niece, Grace, for an impromptu dance break that quickly turned into the cutest moment of the week.
The clip shows Carson guiding Grace through a simple routine as the trio holds hands. After a few steps, Carson gives the little scene-stealer a gentle spin while Robert cheers them on from the side with a proud grin. The video ends with the group twirling in unison, taking a bow, and Grace – dressed in a sparkly black dress that practically begs for a ballroom – clapping for herself in the mirror, completely delighted with her first DWTS rehearsal cameo.
A Full-Circle DWTS Moment For The Irwin Family
In his caption, Robert shared why the visit meant so much. “I love when Grace stops by rehearsals and we can teach her some new dance moves. I’m so lucky to be her uncle,” he wrote, before reflecting on the Irwin family’s rich DWTS history. “Makes me think about when I was a little kid watching my sister in rehearsals on her season of DWTS, it really is a full circle moment.”
That nod, of course, is to Bindi Irwin’s winning run on season 21. Robert was on the sidelines during those rehearsals years ago; now, he’s the one putting in the hours ahead of season 34 performances, with his family cheering from the audience — and sometimes on the rehearsal floor. The passing of the ballroom torch from sister to brother gives the new season an extra-emotional Irwin storyline, and the video underscores how closely this family continues to show up for one another.
Carson, 32, is clearly a natural with younger dancers, and the gentle pacing of the routine gave Grace time to enjoy every moment — particularly the dress-twirling. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes clip that Dancing With the Stars fans love: a candid look at the hard work, the mentorship, and the small joys that happen long before the live show lights switch on.
Family Reactions & Fan Buzz
The comments section turned into an Irwin family reunion shortly after the video went live. “Grace is living her best life!” wrote Terri Irwin, while Bindi added, “She’s so happy.” Fans echoed the sentiment in droves, with one calling the moment “the cutest thing EVER” and another declaring, “We just witnessed a core memory in the making. This is so so cute!”
Other viewers honed in on the fashion and the feel-good vibes. “So cute – she loves her pretty dress and watching it swirl in the mirror,” one comment read. Another summed up the tone of the replies with, “What a sweet uncle you are, Robert! The Irwin family really is just the height of what excellent humans look like.”
It’s no secret the Irwins share a uniquely close bond, and that warmth routinely surfaces in their public appearances. That authenticity is part of what has made Robert’s DWTS journey easy to root for; the series often spotlights family ties, and few contestants have a cheering section as unified — or as enthusiastically involved — as Robert’s.
Robert’s DWTS Mindset: Give 100%, Enjoy Every Second
Before stepping onto the ballroom floor, Robert revealed that he received blunt, supportive advice from Bindi about how to navigate the show’s famously demanding schedule. In an August chat with TV Insider, he said his sister encouraged him to fully apply himself and give “100 percent” while also remembering to “sit back and enjoy every second.” It’s advice that seems to be guiding his run so far.
“So that’s what I’m going to do,” Robert explained at the time. “I want to give it my all but really try and revel in it and enjoy every second because it’s something that is a one-of-a-kind experience, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
That commitment is especially notable given Robert’s refreshingly honest assessment of his own skill set. He joked that he has “the least dancing experience of maybe anyone who’s ever done this show,” adding, “I have so little rhythm, it’s scary. Maybe I shouldn’t be saying this!” Still, he framed the uncertainty as part of the attraction: “It’s definitely not something I’ve ever done, but this is the fun thing. I don’t know. I’ve never done this before. It could go anywhere. I could go, ‘I got this!’ Or it could be a really big uphill battle for my dance partner.”
So far, the uphill climb appears to be paying off. Viewers have been pleasantly surprised by Robert’s growth week to week, and Carson’s seasoned coaching is giving him the structure to translate wildlife-warrior energy into ballroom control. The rehearsal-room cameo from Grace also highlights another asset: whenever nerves rise, Robert’s support system isn’t far behind.
Why The Clip Resonates With DWTS Fans
Dancing With the Stars thrives on more than choreography and scores — it’s the personal storytelling that keeps audiences invested. Robert’s video crystallizes that formula perfectly. The sweet family moment recalls Bindi’s championship season, nods to the legacy of Steve Irwin through the continued public service and positivity of his children, and sets an optimistic tone for Robert’s current journey.
As season 34 continues, expect more of the same from Team Robert & Witney: steady improvement, a strong connection with fans, and the occasional wholesome surprise that reminds viewers why DWTS remains a feel-good staple. If the reactions to Grace’s rehearsal visit are any indication, Robert isn’t just dancing for scores — he’s dancing for family, memories, and a new generation of Irwins who already know how to take a bow.
