Bouyed by Steve Irwin Day on November 15, the former pint-sized wildlife warrior wowed the judges with what many reports are calling her most impressive performance yet.
Her string of perfect scores is a series record and making everyone around America sit up and take notice of the loveable dynamo from Down Under.
“I keep pinching myself,” said Bindi, 17. “I’m so happy, truly, truly. This whole journey has changed me as a person and to come back every week is extraordinary..
“I’ve really grown as a person. I’ve gotten such an awareness of how my body can move. I have an awareness of what it means to be a girl.
“Rhinestones and feathers! It was quite daunting but now I can’t say: I can wear heals and dresses, it’s amazing.”
Dance partner Derek Hough has also been impressed with Bindi’s dramatic transformation on the demanding show.
“When she first came to rehearsals, she was leaving pieces of dirt on the dance floor from a hike she did months ago, and now she’s like a young woman.”
As for whether she’ll keep the false eyelashes and the feathers after the show, Bindi isn’t quite so sure.
“When I’m not at the zoo, maybe. I don’t know how the crocodiles would react to that.”
Earlier she posted another touching Instagram tribute to dad Steve, who tragically lost his live in 2006 after being stung in the chest by a stingray.
“The greatest Dad on Earth,” she wrote. “We miss you so much and are extremely proud to be carrying on in your footsteps.”
In another sign of how quickly Bindi is growing up, she also posted a sweet message to her longtime boyfriend Chandler Powell on his 19th birthday.
“Happy birthday to a person who inspires me everyday,” she captioned the photo.
A soul who makes me smile no matter where I am in the world, despite any amount of distance.
“Thank you for the endless hugs, late night conversations about life, holding my had when a loud noise scares me and laughing along with all of my Bindi moments.
“I’m blessed to be part of your world.”
