Bindi Irwin’s Dancing Tribute To Her Father Steve Irwin Wows Judges

Bindi Irwin paid tribute to her father by performing an adorable dance to the song “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John on Dancing With the Stars.

Bindi and her dance partner Derek Hough performed a dance on the opening episode of Dancing With the Stars,with the pair starting the dance wearing the iconic Steve Irwin’s safari uniform.

She later ripped the uniform off to reveal a green dress.

Steve Irwin passed away in 2006, following a fatal pierce in the chest by a stingray barb while filming an underwater documentary. Bindi Irwin and her mother Terri have admitted that even after all these years, the family struggles to cope with their loss. She spoke to Us Weekly about what it was like carrying on Steve Irwin’s legacy.

“I’m trying to carry on my dad’s legacy, and it is very tough. I think that people always say when people pass away that time heals all wounds. And that’s probably one of the biggest lie, it’s not true. I think we all need to remember that it is always still tough and it’s like losing a piece of your heart. But even though the sun will never shine as brightly, it will still shine again. And that’s a part of life, and it’s why I wanted to be here and do this, because we’re all faced with these challenges and tragedies. It’s very important to pick yourself up and to remember everything they lived and died for, and carry that message forward.”

Bindi Irwin previously spoke to News Australia and said that her father’s passing inspired her to live each day as if it’s her last.

“After losing dad, there was the idea that none of us is going to live forever. It really affects you. It makes you want to live each day as if it’s your last.”

As a result of her flawless dance to Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock,” she surprised viewers (and perhaps even herself) by finishing in first place on the leaderboard following Monday night’s episode, which marked the premiere of the competition.

Bindi Irwin is no stranger to showbiz fame, previously having starred in conservation shows on Australian and U.S. screens, including Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors, Bindi: The Jungle Girl, and Bindi’s Bootcamp.

At eight years of age, Bindi Irwin was just a child when her father Steve was killed by a stingray. She grew up fast as a result, and has dedicated her life to carrying on her father’s wildlife conservation mission.

She later thanked her dancing partner Derek Hough on Instagram after their first routine.

“This experience. I am grateful beyond words for tonight. Thank you all and especially my life coach & dance partner ? #TeamCrikey”

https://instagram.com/p/7ovS4WzWWn/?taken-by=bindisueirwin

As the Mirror reported, speaking to the judges after her jive, Bindi described her father as her hero.

“I think that the real reason I’m doing this is to make him proud, and everyone back at home in Australia proud.”

[Photo: Wikipedia, Lisa Maree Williams / Getty Images]