Witney Carson Reflects on Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars

LOS ANGELES, CA — Witney Carson, who first won Season 19 of Dancing With the Stars over a decade ago, is eager for another mirrorball trophy. The professional dancer made headlines once again as she competes this season alongside Robert Irwin, the younger brother of Bindi Irwin. Carson reflected on the unexpected partnership and the pressure of living up to family legacies.

“I never in a million years thought I’d be partnered with Robert,” Carson told The Hollywood Reporter. “When he walked into the room, it felt automatically right.” Witney’s connection to Robert reaches back to her first win, where her own brother supported her from the audience when he was just 11 years old.

Beyond personal connections, this season has spotlighted her choreography skills. Carson’s routine featuring a viral leg lift last season played a pivotal role in elevating the show’s popularity. She works hard to create ‘wow moments’ that capture both the judges’ and the audience’s attention. “Each song calls for different moments, and I always try to have something that makes the celebrity shine,” she explained.

As the show approaches its finale, Carson seeks to balance her role as a pro dancer with motherhood. She shared her struggles with ‘mom guilt’ while competing, stating it’s challenging to manage her chaotic schedule of rehearsing and caring for her family. “It’s really hard to balance it all. I try to go 110 percent in every aspect of my life,” she said.

Carson’s recent partnership with Robert Irwin honors their family’s legacy on the show. For this week’s special episode, Robert plans to perform to the song of Bindi’s past freestyle— a heartfelt tribute that intertwines both siblings’ journeys.

The upcoming 20th Birthday Party episode will feature a lineup of previous winners celebrating their shared experiences. Carson expressed excitement at the return of Tom Bergeron as a guest judge, calling him the “heart of Dancing With the Stars.” “He brought so much life and humor,” she recalled, “we’re all thrilled to see him back.”

With just a few weeks left in the competition, Carson aims for her second mirrorball win alongside Robert. “It would mean a lot for me personally, but more importantly, I believe Robert deserves it,” she said, emphasizing the importance of his positive message. “Winning a mirrorball is incredible, but his message—spreading positivity and joy—is what truly counts.”