Dancing With the Stars' Alan Bersten Shares Advice for Robert Irwin on Season 34

   

Alan Bersten knows what it takes to bring home the Mirrorball trophy. 

After Robert Irwin was announced as the first celebrity contestant for Dancing With the Stars season 34, the pro dancer revealed what he believes could lead the wildlife conservationist to victory in the upcoming competition.

"I would tell him to be himself because he's so personable," Alan told E! News in an exclusive interview. "People love him already. He's going to have so much fun. He's going to do so well this season."

"I wish I could dance with him," he admitted. "He would be a great partner. Obviously, whoever he's with, they're going to have a phenomenal season."

Robert has some big dance shoes to fill since his older sister Bindi Irwin came in first place alongside partner Derek Hough 10 years ago. But Alan knows the 21-year-old is up for the challenge. 

"There are video clips circulating of him from 10 years ago, at 11 years old," the dancer recalled. "He had so much personality, even back then. We met him recently at the Get Real event, and he's just so lively. He's so grateful."

While Alan believes Robert and Bindi's sweet personalities can be attributed to their work with "incredible animals," he emphasized that it definitely began with their mom Terri Irwin and late dad Steve Irwin.

"They're just brought up so well," he gushed. "It's just such a beautiful family, so we're so lucky to welcome Robert into the ballroom."

One special someone Alan couldn't be more excited to introduce to Robert? His 11-month-old puppy, Jeff.

Alan Bersten, Robert IrwinDisney/Andrew Eccle/Don Arnold/WireImage

"It's incredible for Jeff, because [Robert] is such an animal lover," said Alan, who is partnering with Cesar Dog Food for its new microwavable Cesar Warm Bowls. "I feel like they're gonna become best friends."

They'll have plenty of time to form that bond, as the pro revealed that Jeff will be at every DWTS rehearsal. After all, Alan even partnered up with his dog, a Brussels Griffon, to make a dance for their collab. 

"We created the Cesar spin," he explained. "He's great. He's a natural dancer. He must get it from his dad. He's just got so much personality. It was so fun partnering with not only him, but with Cesar on this, because being able to work with your dog is a dream come true."

Alan Bersten, Jeff, Cesar Dog FoodCesar Dog Food

It helps that his pup also loves the brand's food, too. 

"The ingredients are so good," Alan said of the Warm Bowls. "The fact that there's real chicken and real vegetables—it makes me feel good about feeding it to him. Jeff can be a picky eater, but he absolutely loves it. Once he tried them, I was like, 'Oh, my god, this is a no-brainer.'"

While we wait to see who else joins the cast of Dancing With the Stars this season, take a look back at season 33's contestants. 

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Cast

Disney/Andrew Eccles

Anna Delvey 

The inspriation behind Inventing Anna traded her ankle bracelet for dancing shoes alongside partner Ezra Sosa. However, the fake heiress was eliminated during the season's Sept. 24 episode, with her saying that she learned "nothing" in her now-infamous, one-word farewell speech.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Ilona Maher

The Olympic rugby player was ready to ruck up the dance floor with pro Alan Bersten, finishing as the runner-up.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Chandler Kinney 

The Disney Channel star tried to dance her way to the top with partner Brandon Armstrong and ultimately placed third.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Brooks Nader 

The model and her partner Gleb Savchenko were ready to strut along the ballroom, but took their final bow on Oct. 15.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Reginald VelJohnson

All that mattered for the Family Matters alum and partner Emma Slater was taking home the Mirrorball Trophy. However, their journey was cut short during the second week of competition on Oct. 8.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Eric Roberts 

The Dark Knight star was partnered with Britt Stewart. They were eliminated in the second week alongside Reginald and Emma.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Joey Graziadei

The Bachelor alum has found his rose between thorns in partner Jenna Johnson, winning season 33.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Tori Spelling 

The alum of Beverly Hills, 90210 was oh so ready to dance alongside Pasha Pashkov. Unfortunately, the two last only one week and was cut from competition in a double elimination alongside Anna and Ezra.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Danny Amendola 

The NFL pro and partner Witney Carson sure scored a touchdown on the dance floor, placing fifth in the finale.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Dwight Howard 

The NBA star hoped to stand head and shoulders above the competition with partner Daniella Karagach, but was eliminated from the competition on Nov. 12.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Stephen Nedoroscik 

The Olympian had his sights set on another medal—or should we say, Mirrorball Trophy—with partner Rylee Arnold, placing fourth in the Nov. 26 finale.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastDisney/Andrew Eccles

Phaedra Parks 

The Traitors alum was sure to weed out the competition with partner Val Chmerkovskiy, but ended up getting cut from the lineup Oct. 22.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 CastSteve Granitz/FilmMagic & Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Jenn Tran

Though Bachelorette star and partner Sasha Farber were full bloom in the ballroom, they were eliminated from the competition on Oct. 29.