Copyright Us Weekly
Dancing with Robert Irwin is cool, but being choreographed by Witney Carson may be even cooler. Before stepping into the Dancing With the Stars ballroom for the show’s 20th Birthday Party episode, Xochitl Gomez explained why she was so excited to dance again. “Witney choreographed [the number] and so I’m not gonna lie, I was most excited to be dancing with Witney and having her teach me,” Gomez, 19, told Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday, November 11. “I’ve just been such a big fan and her hair whips, her lines, her sharpness, her technicality is off the f***ing charts. I was just very amped to have her teaching me.” During Tuesday’s episode, Gomez — who won season 32 of the ABC competition show – was partnered with Irwin, 21, for a Relay Dance that ultimately helped him earn extra points. Before showtime, the actress gave fans a glimpse into what it was like to work with Irwin away from the cameras. “I think people know this already, but just how energetic he is. We had a rehearsal without Witney because they were filming something special, and so it was just Robert and I for three hours, and ‘Oh my God!’” she said. “Witney taught him a thing or two because he was drilling me. In the nicest way possible, he’s like, ‘I think you need to pick it up a little more.’ I was like, ‘Oh! Well, you’re talking to a former dance champion but I’ve never danced this style so you can teach me.’” During season 32, Gomez took home the mirrorball trophy alongside professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. He remains in the competition for season 34 alongside his partner Alix Earle. After Irwin and Gomez danced together, the pair got the internet talking with their connection on the dance floor. Even Derek Hough noticed something special when he commented from the judges table. “It was amazing,” he said. “By the way, Robert and Xochitl, the chemistry, excuse me? Excuse me? It was so wonderful.” After the show, Gomez shared a clip of her dance number with Irwin. Which Dancing With the Stars Style Is the Most Fun to Watch? “You guys smashed this! So so proud 👏,” Carson, 32, wrote in the comments section. Irwin added, “Had the BEST time ever. Thank you so much @_xochitl.gomez 🎉.” Before the semi-finals occur on Tuesday, November 18, Irwin wanted to take time and acknowledge another dance that helped him advance into the competition. While dancing the foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis, Robert paid tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin. “Tonight was healing,” Robert wrote via Instagram on Tuesday. “This dance was emotional, beautiful and so deeply meaningful. I carry Dad’s legacy with me in everything I do, and it was a privilege to dedicate our foxtrot to him.” Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
