Bindi Irwin's Tribute to Dad Steve Really Does Pull at the Heartstrings

Firstly - yes - that is Derek Hough vaulting himself in the air alongside his new Dancing With The Stars partner, but we'll get to that momentarily. 

It's been 9 years since Steve Irwin lost his life at the hands stings of a sting ray, and his daughter Bindi posted the following to pay tribute.

"Thinking about home today. Father's Day is today in Australia and everyone is celebrating at Australia Zoo. It's such a special time of year, I hope everyone who comes to the zoo today is able to enjoy it with our gorgeous animals. No matter where I am in the world, this day means such a lot to me. My heart forever lives @AustraliaZoo - just like Dad's always did."

The 17-year-old followed this tribute with her official cast photo for this year's Dancing With The Stars, which just happens to feature Derek Hough vaulting himself in the air alongside his new partner.

She captioned the below: "This journey....I don't know if I've ever laughed so much in my entire life as I have in the studio with @derekhough #DWTS #TeamCrikey."

Apparently she's dancing up a storm, despite donning heels "for the first time" in her life. She joins other celebrities such as Gary Busy, Chaka Khan, and Nick Carter...

When was the first time you wore heels for realz? Were you perfecting your sashay in your mother's shoes as a tween, or ambling about like Bambie, cutting the hooves off yourself for the first time at your Pre-Debs?