To Whom Did Robert Irwin Dedicate His Emotional Foxtrot on Dancing With the Stars and Why Did It Move Everyone?

Robert Irwin’s latest performance on Dancing with the Stars 2025 left audiences in tears as he dedicated his foxtrot to his sister Bindi Irwin and their late father, Steve Irwin. The emotional moment took place during the show’s 20th anniversary celebration, where Robert and professional partner Witney Carson danced to “Footprints in the Sand.”

The heartfelt routine was a tribute that beautifully tied together family legacy, love, and memory. Just like his sister’s winning performance in 2015 dedicated to their father, Robert’s dance carried deep emotional weight and earned him his first perfect score of the season — a flawless 40 out of 40.

Robert Irwin’s Tribute Dance to Bindi and Steve Irwin

The performance began with Robert and Witney gliding elegantly across the ballroom floor, symbolizing a journey through family memories. As the music swelled, a video montage appeared showing childhood moments of Robert and Bindi with their father, the late wildlife legend Steve Irwin. This visual surprise brought Robert to tears mid-performance, capturing one of the most touching scenes of the season.

The emotional climax came when Bindi Irwin herself joined the stage, dancing briefly alongside her brother in a moment that mirrored their shared bond and tribute to their father. The audience erupted in applause, and the judges praised the performance for its sincerity and artistry. Robert fell to his knees at the end, embraced by Bindi and Witney as he wept.

According to show reports, this was not the first time Robert dedicated a dance to his family. Earlier in the season, he performed alongside his mother, Terri Irwin, during dedication night. However, this foxtrot marked a new level of emotional intensity and artistic maturity for the young wildlife advocate.

Emotional Impact and Reaction Across the Ballroom

The audience reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers took to social media to express how deeply moved they were by Robert’s sincerity. Judges described the performance as “magical” and “beyond dance.” Witney Carson also noted backstage that it was one of the most meaningful routines she has ever choreographed on the show.

This performance also connected generations of Dancing with the Stars fans — those who remembered Bindi’s winning season in 2015 and now witnessed her brother following in her footsteps. It reflected the ongoing legacy of the Irwin family’s message: love, resilience, and honoring the memory of their father through passion and purpose.

As the 20th anniversary celebration continued, Robert Irwin’s foxtrot stood out as a timeless highlight — not just for its score, but for its soul. With Bindi and Steve Irwin as his inspiration, Robert’s dance became a moment of healing, remembrance, and family pride that transcended the ballroom floor.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: To whom did Robert Irwin dedicate his foxtrot on Dancing with the Stars?

He dedicated it to his sister, Bindi Irwin, and their late father, Steve Irwin.

Q2: What song did Robert Irwin dance to?

He performed a foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand.”

Q3: Did Robert Irwin get a perfect score for his dance?

Yes. He received his first perfect score of the season — 40 out of 40 — matching his sister Bindi’s score when she won in 2015.

Q4: Why was the dance emotional for viewers?

The tribute honored his late father and featured a surprise appearance from Bindi, blending family memories with emotional storytelling.

Q5: What other dedication has Robert done this season?

Earlier in the season, Robert performed alongside his mother, Terri Irwin, during dedication night.