For Witney Carson, a professional dancer who has been part of Dancing with the Stars for over a decade, the announcement of the season 34 celebrity cast brought a familiar name: Robert Irwin. However, the possibility of being his dance partner was something she had never once considered.
In a recent interview, Carson opened up about the surprise partnership, her approach to choreography that has created viral trends, and the realities of balancing the intense competition schedule with life as a mother of two young children.
A Full-Circle Moment Ten Years in the Making
The connection between the Irwin family and Dancing with the Stars is not new. A decade ago, in season 21, Robert’s older sister, Bindi Irwin, won the competition with pro dancer Derek Hough. During that season, an 11-year-old Robert was in the audience, cheering his sister on.
Witney Carson was also in that season’s finale, making the partnership with Robert a full-circle moment for the show’s history. Despite this existing link, Carson said the thought of being paired with Robert never entered her mind, largely due to their age gap. She was newly engaged during Bindi’s season, while Robert was just a child.
“It never crossed my mind, but now that it’s happened, it feels right,” Carson shared. “It was honestly a true shock when he walked through the door when we first met as partners. From the second that he walked into the room for the start of the season, it just felt automatically right and meant to be.”
Carrying the Irwin Legacy in the Ballroom
With Bindi’s past victory, there is a natural pressure for Robert to perform well. Carson acknowledges this, but sees it as a positive motivator rather than a burden.
“Of course we feel that pressure. If there wasn’t any pressure, then we wouldn’t be as good as we are,” Carson noted. “Bindi’s been so lovely and nothing but supportive of everything that we do. She’s so proud of her brother and how far he’s come.”
This season, the connection was made even clearer when Robert and Witney performed a Foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand,” the same song Bindi used for her winning freestyle a decade prior. Carson explained that while they wanted to pay homage to the powerful emotion of Bindi’s original performance, they also aimed to make the dance Robert’s own and tell his personal story.
Creating Viral Moves and Juggling Motherhood
Carson has built a reputation for her creative choreography, which sometimes leads to viral internet trends. A notable example is a dramatic leg lift she created with former partner Danny Amendola, which became a popular challenge on TikTok.
She describes her creative process as focusing on finding a unique “wow moment” in every routine that highlights the celebrity and makes the performance stand out. This involves balancing entertainment, proper technique, and staying true to the dance style.
Behind the scenes, the demanding rehearsal schedule presents a challenge for Carson as a mother. She has been open about experiencing “mom guilt” as she dedicates long hours to the show.
“It’s hard to realize that your priorities shift a little bit when you’re in the show,” she said. “As much as I feel that guilt, I know that I need to show myself some grace… I don’t want to have any regrets when the show is done. I want to be able to say I put everything I had into it.”
She credits her husband, Carson McAllister, and other family members for their support, which allows her to pursue her career on the show while knowing her children are well cared for.
Robert Irwin: From Wildlife Warrior to Dance Contestant
Robert Irwin, now 21, is a well-known conservationist, television personality, and wildlife photographer. He is the son of the late Steve Irwin and works alongside his mother, Terri, and sister, Bindi, at Australia Zoo.
He has built his own television career, co-hosting the Australian reality series I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and starring in the family’s series Crikey! It’s the Irwins. His appearance on Dancing with the Stars marks his debut on a major American competition series, introducing him to a new audience and showing a different side of his personality.
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A Welcome Return to the Ballroom
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars also features the return of former host Tom Bergeron as a guest judge, a development that excited Carson and many longtime fans of the show.
“He was honestly the heart of Dancing With the Stars, in my opinion,” Carson said. “He felt like our TV dad, taking care of the pros and the contestants.”
Witney Carson continues to expand her career beyond the show. She recently launched a dance tutorial app called Finesse, with the goal of making professional dance training accessible and affordable for everyone, no matter their location or budget.
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Credits: Hollywood Reporter
