Watch: Bindi Irwin Explains Absence From DWTS Ballroom Amid Robert Irwin's RunBindi Irwin proved she's always by Robert Irwin's side. The wildlife conservationist, 27, made a surprise appearance in her younger brother and partner Witney Carson's latest Dancing With the Stars routine, which was a tribute to Robert and Bindi's late father Steve Irwin, on the show's Nov. 11 episode. Towards the end of their emotional foxtrot set to Leona Lewis' "Footprints in the Sand"-the same song season 21 winner Bindi danced to with Derek Hough in their 2015 freestyle routine-the partners separated on the dance floor before Bindi walked out and took Robert's hand to finish the performance with him. As the music ended, the season 34 hopeful was overcome with emotion and crouched to the ground in tears as Bindi and Whitney cradled him in their arms. The camera panned up to reveal a clip of them in the arms of their late father-who died in 2006-as mom Terri Irwin looking on playing on the ballroom floor.readRobert Irwin Says He Almost Choked to Death During Dancing With the Stars Group DanceShortly after the 20th anniversary episode-which saw Andy Richter and Emma Slater sent home-Robert reflected on his "healing" performance that earned a perfect score of 40 from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, Derek and guest judge Tom Bergeron. "This dance was emotional, beautiful and so deeply meaningful," he wrote on Instagram Nov. 11. "I carry Dad's legacy with me in everything I do, and it was a privilege to dedicate our foxtrot to him."Paul Archuleta/Getty Images"Thank you @bindisueirwin for inspiring us with your freestyle to this song," the 21-year-old continued, "and thank you @witneycarson for once again choreographing such a beautiful story through dance and for creating a space for me to convey raw emotions that I've never gotten to share before." Robert finished his post by highlighting the passion for wildlife that he shares with his late father and the pride he feels in following in his footsteps."I'm a proud Wildlife Warrior, and I'll always carry on my dad's mission," he wrote. "I'm so grateful that I can do that in the ballroom." Bindi wasn't the only former Dancing With the Stars contestant to return to the ballroom for the special night. Keep reading to see who else showed up to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary...
Disney/Eric McCandlessJonathan Roberts, Charlotte Jørgensen, Edyta Sliwinska, Ahly Costa & Louis Van AmstelAll six original pros from season one-inlcuding Alec Mazo-returned for the show's birthday. In fact, they opened the episode with moves that proved they've still got what it takes to dance to the top.
Disney/Eric McCandlessApolo Anton Ohno & Rashad JenningsThe Olympic speed skater (season 4 winner and season 15 contestant) was Jordan Chiles' partner in the relay dance against Elaine Hendrix and her guest partner, NFL alum and season 24 winner Rashad. Disney/Eric McCandlessXochitl Gomez & Joey GraziadeiSeason 32 winner Xochitl partnered with Robert Irwin against Alix Earle and her partner, season 33 winner Joey for the relay dance. Disney/Eric McCandlessRumer Willis & Kaitlyn BristoweRumer (season 20 winner) partnered with Dylan Eforn in the relay dance against Andy Richter and Kaitlyn (season 29 winner). Disney/Eric McCandlessKenya MooreThe Real Housewives of Atlanta star returned to the ballroom after competing on season 30 with Brandon Armstrong. Disney/Eric McCandlessChandler KinneyThe Disney Channel star, also partnered with Brandon, returned after placing 3rd in season 33. Disney/Eric McCandlessDaniel Durant, Ilona Maher & Marlee MatlinThe season 31, season 33 and season 6 alums struck a pose together on the event's red carpet. Disney/Eric McCandlessKelsey AndersonThe Bachelor alum was there in support of her fiancé Joey as he hit the stage with Alix. Disney/Eric McCandlessSabrina BryanThe Cheetah Girls star returned to the ballroom 18 years after she competed on season 5, before going on to compete in the all-stars 15th season.
Disney/Eric McCandlessKristi YamaguchiThe former champion smiled wide upon her return to the ballroom after skating to the top during season 6. Disney/Eric McCandlessCharity LawsonThe Bachelorette alum-and season 32 contestant-was a vision in gold on the red carpet.
Disney/Eric McCandlessLindsay ArnoldThe former pro-who last competed during season 30-returned to the ballroom. Disney/Eric McCandlessStephen NedoroscikThe Olympian was all smiles during his return after flipping his way to fourth during season 33 with partner Rylee Arnold. Disney/Eric McCandlessBill NyeThe science guy returned to the ballroom 12 years after he became the dancing guy during season 17. Disney/Eric McCandlessJenn TranThe Bachelorette alum, who placed 7th alongside partner Sasha Farber during season 33, struck a pose. Disney/Eric McCandlessChrishelle StrauseThe Selling Sunset star returned after finishing in 8th during season 29 with partner Gleb Savchenko. Disney/Eric McCandlessAriana MadixT