When the lights of Rockefeller Center come alive, millions around the world tune in to witness a spectacle of joy and unity. This year, that magic will reach new heights as Robert Irwin — the beloved conservationist and TV personality — steps onto the stage with Dancing with the Stars champion Witney Carson. Together, they’re not just performing a dance; they’re creating a Christmas memory that will live forever in the hearts of those who watch.

“Under the Mistletoe” blends the classic grace of ballroom with the emotional storytelling that only Witney and Robert could bring to life. The choreography, developed over months of quiet rehearsals, tells a story that begins with longing, grows into laughter, and ends in the kind of love that only Christmas can inspire.

As the orchestra begins its soft, sweeping overture, the stage transforms into a winter dream — a shimmering canvas of silver snow and candlelight. Robert, in a deep emerald suit that mirrors the glow of the Christmas tree, extends his hand to Witney, radiant in a gown of winter white satin. Their eyes meet, and time seems to slow.

Every movement tells a story: a tentative step becomes a spark of hope, a twirl becomes a whisper of joy, a gentle lift captures the weightlessness of love. Around them, golden lights cascade like falling stars, and the crowd holds its breath. It’s not just a performance — it’s a celebration of the beauty that lives in every human heart during the holidays.

“Christmas isn’t just about gifts,” Robert said during rehearsals. “It’s about the moments that make your heart stop — and this dance is one of them.”

Witney added softly, “We wanted to create something that feels like love in motion, like time standing still under the mistletoe.”

The creative team behind the number promises a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. Every note of the live orchestra, every shimmer of the lighting, is designed to pull the audience into the story — to make them feel the heartbeat of Christmas itself. Producers hint that the performance will end with an emotional surprise that will leave viewers speechless.

Witney, who has long been known for her storytelling through dance, says this performance is one of her most meaningful ever. “It’s not just about steps and counts,” she explained. “It’s about telling a story that people can feel deep inside — that warmth that reminds you of love, of home, of being held.”

As rehearsals continue, behind-the-scenes glimpses reveal the chemistry between the pair — a partnership grounded in mutual respect and artistic trust. Robert, though not a professional dancer, has reportedly devoted countless hours to perfecting his form and emotion. “He moves with sincerity,” Witney shared. “And that’s what makes it beautiful.”

The show’s producers describe the performance as “a modern fairy tale set to music,” merging grace, storytelling, and pure emotion into one mesmerizing moment. It’s a testament to how art can bring people together — how dance, like Christmas itself, has the power to connect us beyond words.

When the final notes ring out, and the lights fade beneath the falling snow, there will be a stillness — the kind of silence that only comes when hearts are full. For one magical night, at the heart of New York City, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson will remind the world that even in the coldest winter, love still dances.