In a touching D.W.T.S. moment on Monday, October 5, 2015, Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough clinched a “10” from judge Bruno Tonioli with their contemporary dance interpretation of The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” for Season 21’s Episode 6 themed “Most Memorable Year.” With a season high of 28 points out of 30, Bindi and Hough bested the 9 other pairs dancing to songs about a significant time in each of the celebrities’ lives.
Meanwhile, Aussie fans thrilled of the news that Australia Zoo has named a baby koala bear after Derek Hough, Bindi’s 30-year-old dancing partner . The wildlife park and home of Steve Irwin’s family named the joey (as a newborn baby koala bear cub is called) after Hough for his role in mentoring the late Crocodile Hunter’s 17-year-old daughter. According to E News , the following tweet was posted on Australia Zoo ‘s Twitter page on Saturday, October 3.
“We’ve named one of our koala joeys after @derekhough who has been an amazing mentor to @BindiIrwin on @DancingABC!”
While Irwin’s interaction with Hough has captured the public eye, another man in her life has entered the picture. Us magazine reported that on Monday, September 28, Bindi Irwin made her first public appearance with longtime boyfriend Chandler Powell , 18, at the CBS Studios in Los Angeles. They first met in 2013 when he was visiting Australia with his family and spent time at Australia Zoo. The wakeboarder who lives in Florida, has been maintaining a long-distance relationship with her since.
On Powell looking after her dance injuries during his visit to Los Angeles, Irwin gave Us the following inside view.
“The tendons are all stretched and inflamed… but by next week they should be all good. He’s so cute! Every night I come home and he’s like, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do: you’re going to sit down here, put this ice on it.’”
At the professional level, Bindi Irwin has pro partner Derek Hough to share every touching DWTS moment with. According to HNGN , Hough provided a comforting presence when they danced to The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” in memory of her late father killed by a stingray. Remembering her tearful breaks as she worked on the themed contemporary dance with Hough, she expressed the following thoughts.
“What shaped me the most would probably be when my dad passed away. It’s been nine years and I’ve never really dwelled on that point. I think I’m ready to tell that story. It took a really long time to understand what actually happened. For the rest of my life, I’ll kind of feel like he’s going to come home.”
The judges awarded them not only the highest score of the night, but also of the season so far, with a 28 out of 30. They also earned the first “10” of the season from Judge Bruno Tonioli.
Tonioli told Irwin that her late father was dancing with her every step of the way. The veteran dance judge added that the late Steve Irwin was proud of his daughter, as was Australia and the world.
Judge Julianne Hough said that not only the performance, but the dance itself was “breathtaking.” She described Bindi Irwin’s touching D.W.T.S . moment as a tribute to her father who “is very proud.”
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba commended Bindi for turning every dance into a memorable moment from her life. Inaba called Irwin’s performance “such a bright light dance with so much beauty and passion.”
Irwin initiated a touching display of her own, in an Instagram to D.W.T.S. partner Hough on Friday, October 2. With the message was a photo capturing a moment of affection as they hugged each other.
“This week on @dancingabc is focused on Most Memorable Year and has been filled with many emotional moments. Words can’t express how grateful I am for all of the support from @derekhough. He has been there to help me on this journey and create something beautiful that means so much to me, for Monday night’s show. His strength and hugs are getting me through this week—as a friend and big brother. #TeamCrikey.”
The most touching D.W.T.S. moment is its spontaneous expression by Bindi Irwin.
[Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images]
