Alan Bersten knows what it takes to bring home the Mirrorball trophy.
After Robert Irwin was announced as the first celebrity contestant for Dancing With the Stars season 34, the pro dancer revealed what he believes could lead the wildlife conservationist to victory in the upcoming competition.
"I would tell him to be himself because he's so personable," Alan told E! News in an exclusive interview. "People love him already. He's going to have so much fun. He's going to do so well this season."
"I wish I could dance with him," he admitted. "He would be a great partner. Obviously, whoever he's with, they're going to have a phenomenal season."
Robert has some big dance shoes to fill since his older sister Bindi Irwin came in first place alongside partner Derek Hough 10 years ago. But Alan knows the 21-year-old is up for the challenge.
"There are video clips circulating of him from 10 years ago, at 11 years old," the dancer recalled. "He had so much personality, even back then. We met him recently at the Get Real event, and he's just so lively. He's so grateful."
While Alan believes Robert and Bindi's sweet personalities can be attributed to their work with "incredible animals," he emphasized that it definitely began with their mom Terri Irwin and late dad Steve Irwin.
"They're just brought up so well," he gushed. "It's just such a beautiful family, so we're so lucky to welcome Robert into the ballroom."
One special someone Alan couldn't be more excited to introduce to Robert? His 11-month-old puppy, Jeff.
Disney/Andrew Eccle/Don Arnold/WireImage
"It's incredible for Jeff, because [Robert] is such an animal lover," said Alan, who is partnering with Cesar Dog Food for its new microwavable Cesar Warm Bowls. "I feel like they're gonna become best friends."
They'll have plenty of time to form that bond, as the pro revealed that Jeff will be at every DWTS rehearsal. After all, Alan even partnered up with his dog, a Brussels Griffon, to make a dance for their collab.
"We created the Cesar spin," he explained. "He's great. He's a natural dancer. He must get it from his dad. He's just got so much personality. It was so fun partnering with not only him, but with Cesar on this, because being able to work with your dog is a dream come true."
Cesar Dog Food
It helps that his pup also loves the brand's food, too.
"The ingredients are so good," Alan said of the Warm Bowls. "The fact that there's real chicken and real vegetables—it makes me feel good about feeding it to him. Jeff can be a picky eater, but he absolutely loves it. Once he tried them, I was like, 'Oh, my god, this is a no-brainer.'"
While we wait to see who else joins the cast of Dancing With the Stars this season, take a look back at season 33's contestants.
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