DWTS Pro Shares Wise Advice for Robert Irwin on Season 34

Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin is the first celebrity contestant announced for “Dancing With the Stars” season 34. “DWTS” pro Alan Bersten offered up some great advice for Irwin ahead of the competition.

Alan Bersten Thinks Robert Irwin Could Go Far

In an April 2025 interview with E! News, Bersten said he thinks Irwin should definitely lean into his lovable personality.

“I would tell him to be himself because he’s so personable,” Bersten shared. “People love him already. He’s going to have so much fun. He’s going to do so well this season.”

He noted, “I wish I could dance with him. He would be a great partner. Obviously, whoever he’s with, they’re going to have a phenomenal season.”

Bersten added, “There are video clips circulating of him from 10 years ago, at 11 years old. 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.”

The dance pro noted that Irwin and sister Bindi Irwin (who won “DWTS” season 21 with Derek Hough) were “just brought up so well.”

Bersten said, “It’s just such a beautiful family, so we’re so lucky to welcome Robert into the ballroom.”

Derek Hough Gives Prediction About Robert Irwin on ‘DWTS’

Hough weighed in with his thoughts and believes, much like Bersten, that Irwin will do well in the competition.

In an interview with People at the April 2025 Disney Entertainment Television’s Get Real Event, Hough gave some insight as a seasoned “DWTS” pro dancer and judge.

“It’s been 10 years since that little guy was on that front row rooting for [his sister] Bindi Irwin. And to see the man that he’s become in short 10 years is pretty amazing, man,” Hough noted. “We’re really lucky to have him.”

As for his prediction, he said that Irwin is “going to go far” on the show.

Hough explained, “I think that he, them as a family, they are truly just who they are. What you see is what you get. They are really that kind, they are really that positive, they really do have that energy.”

The “DWTS” judge continued, “It’s not upfront. And I think that this show, when you are truly authentic in that way, it really pierces through. So I think in that regard, he’s going to go far just based off of the person he is.”

Hough added, “Now we can just see the kind of moves he’s got.”