With just three shows remaining in Dancing With the Stars Season 34, Robert Irwin is reflecting on the powerful motivation that continues to drive him to give his all both on the ballroom floor and in life.

The wildlife conservationist spoke with Australian radio and TV host Richard Wilkins following Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night, sharing the driving force behind his Dancing With the Stars journey. “It’s what’s keeping me here,” he confessed in an Instagram reel.

Irwin told Wilkins that he initially believed that his demanding DWTS schedule would be exhausting, but it’s quite the opposite, he claims. “The amount of passion and energy that’s in this room fills the tank. I’m in a place that’s so different from home. This is far from the khaki uniform.”

“To have the support from everyone at home, that’s what’s keeping me here. It’s everything,” he admitted.

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Irwin continues to spread his wings as a dancer on the reality series. He admits, however, that learning ballroom techniques has pushed him out of his comfort zone.

“I was very well convinced that I couldn’t dance,” he revealed to Wilkins. “The start of every rehearsal week, I get in there and I look like a stick. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

But, he admits, that facing that type of pressure is a “privilege. I feel so grateful to be where I am.”

Irwin hopes this experience will continue his family’s wildlife legacy beyond the confines of the Australia Zoo. “I never thought I could spread that message through a dancing show,” he admits.

Robert Irwin’s 20th Anniversary dance details

According to Deadline, Irwin and his professional dance partner Witney Carson are scheduled to perform a Foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis. This will be their final chance to impress judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, along with guest judge Tom Bergeron, before the series’s semi-finals episode.

Additionally, the remaining celebrity contestants will face an unexpected twist during the series’ relay round. For the first time in DWTS history, celebrities will perform without their professional partners, pairing up with a past mirrorball champ to dance either the Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, or Jive.

There are only three episodes left to close out Season 34. Following the 20th anniversary episode, week 10 is a celebration of Prince’s music on November 18, and a three-hour finale airs on November 25.

Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesday, November 11, at 8 p.m. ET. It will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.

This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.