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Bindi Irwin reveals she taught dance partner Derek Hough how to wrangle a giant snake and tarantula as DWTS official portraits are revealed

Published: 16:36 EST, 8 September 2015 | Updated: 18:53 EST, 8 September 2015

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Though Bindi Irwin has admitted she finds the Dancing with the Stars judges far scarier than any crocodile or snake, that may not necessarily be the case for her fellow contestants.

But that didn't stop the 17-year-old daughter of the late The Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin from creating quite the memorable introduction for her and her dance partner, Derek Hough, 30.

She revealed that the two first met at a wildlife area in Los Angeles, where she brought out a large snake, followed by a giant tarantula for the star to hold, as she dropped by Access Hollywood.

'If he can wrangle snakes, then maybe I can take on the ballroom floor,' she gushed, of the introduction.

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Quite the introduction: Bindi Irwin revealed to Access Hollywood that she met Dancing with the Stars partner Derek Hough at a wildlife area, where she had him hold a snake and a giant tarantula

Giving her hope: The positive star later gushed of the experience: 'If he can wrangle snakes, then maybe I can take on the ballroom floor'

'He was so lovely,' Bindi gushed, adding, that even if Derek hadn't been around wildlife like that before, he was 'so brave' and 'super patient.'

Derek took to his Instagram account following the meeting to also share kind words about his new dance partner.

He posted a sweet black and white photo alongside Bindi, from their visit at the wildlife area, along with a heartfelt message.

Lady in red: Bindi looked comfortable in a fitted red T-shirt and black leggings as she left DWTS rehearsals on Tuesday

Looking bright: Earlier that day, Bindi's partner Derek was spotted as he made his way into the dance studio

Tickets to the gun show: Derek showed off his muscles in the loose-fitting tank top as he arrived at rehearsals on Tuesday

'Meet my new amazing partner @bindisueirwin. This girls energy and lust for life is incredible. Her passion for wildlife is second to none,' he wrote.

Derek continued: 'She's on a mission to make a difference on our planet and now it's my job to turn this Wildlife Warrior into a dancer. Let's go BINDI!!! #DWTS #dwtsallaccess #teamname?'

On Tuesday the wildlife expert was spotted as she left a practice with the five-time DWTS champion, sporting a fitted red T-shirt and a pair of black leggings.

She topped off the look with tan, low-top Converse sneakers, as she carried her strappy, tan dance shoes.

Getting down to it: The daughter of the late Steve Irwin - who was killed by a stingray barb in 2006 - looked to be in good spirits as she began rehearsals with partner Derek

Casual: She was laid-back for the practice in a navy blue T-shirt decorated with the image of a giraffe, paired with black leggings and socks

Getting along brilliantly: The pair were spotted sharing a laugh as they practiced their dance moves

She had a tote bag slung across her shoulder, and wore her long, blonde tresses in loose waves as she hopped into the car with her mother, Terri Irwin.

Bindi seemed to be in good spirits following the short practice, and sported a big grin as she left the dance studio.

Her partner, Derek, was spotted earlier that same day as he arrived at rehearsals, sporting a bright blue tank top.

Ready to begin: The 21st season of Dancing with the Stars kicks off on September 14 at 8pm

Can't hide her smile! The wildlife expert showed off her positive attitude as she smiled all throughout rehearsal

Having a blast: It seemed everything was going smoothly for Bindi and Derek

He showed off his muscles in the loose-fitting shirt, which he coupled with a pair of fitted, light wash jeans.

The brother of DWTS judge Julianne Hough finished off his look with a pair of grey and black Nike sneakers, and sported a smile as he made his way into the studio.

And it seems things have gotten off to a good start, as recently released rehearsal shots show Derek looking just as chipper during practice with Bindi.

Attentive: Bindi devoted her full attention as Derek showed her a move during rehearsal

Supportive: Though she had admitted being nervous, it seemed Bindi was in good hands with Derek

Classic: The five-time DWTS champ wore a fitted white T-shirt, black jeans, and slip-on sneakers for rehearsal

She looks laid-back in a navy blue T-shirt, black leggings, and black socks, while following the dance pro's lead.

He can be seen sporting a fitted white T-shirt, black jeans, and a pair of slip-on sneakers, while instructing his new partner.

The duo looked to be getting along well as they were spotted sharing a laugh as they began to hammer down their steps.

Showing off his bravery? Perhaps Derek was showing Alexa PenaVega and fellow pro dancer Mark Ballas shots of his wild adventure with partner Bindi

Coordinating partners: Alexa and partner Mark both sported black ensembles as they began rehearsals

Serious: The duo looked intensely focused as they pulled the strong pose while practicing their new routine

Alexa PenaVega was also seen rehearsing with her partner Mark Ballas, sporting a form-fitting black tank top and patterned black and white leggings.

She wore her long, blonde tresses in wild curls, and sported a wide grin as the two kicked off rehearsals.

Mark was dressed in all black as he was seen instructing the Spy Kids star, before getting close to practice what appeared to be a sultry move.

Getting closer: Another pose seemed a bit more romantic as Alexa and Mark came together to practice

Familar face: Alexa's husband, Carlos PenaVega, is also starring on this season of Dancing with the Stars, with partner Witney Carson

Laid-back: The pair both donned black sweatpants and tank tops for the rehearsal, though Witney opted to show off her taut tummy with a crop top

Alexa's husband, Carlos PenaVega is also a contestant this season, and showed off his moves while rehearsing with partner Witney Carson.

He donned a loose-fitting blue tank top, coupled with black sweatpants and black and white Nike sneakers.

Witney showed off her taut tummy in a fitted black crop top, which she coupled with black sweatpants, and all-black sneakers.

Showing off his moves: The former Big Time Rush member will likely have a bit of a leg up on the competition, having spent years dancing with the boy band

Blue belle: Bindi looked lovely in a beaded blue number as she posed alongside Derek in official photos released for the upcoming new season

Glamorous: Alexa flaunted her toned pins as she stood beside Mark, who looked dapper in a black suit

Then the glitz and glamour came out as official photos were released of pairs Bindi and Derek, Alexa and Mark, Carlos and Witney, Hayes Grier and Emma Slater, Chaka Khan and Keo Motsepe, Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess, Victor Espinoza and Karina Smirnoff, and Kim Zolciak Biermann and partner Tony Dovolani. Andy Grammar and partner Allison Holker were pictured solo.

Not photographed were the remaining contestants for season 21: Tamar Braxton and partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Gary Busey and partner Anna Trebunskaya, Paula Deen and partner Louis Van Amstel, Alek Skarlatos and partner Lindsay Arnold.

Meanwhile, Andy showed his smiling face on Tuesday as he joined partner Allison for rehearsals, looking slick in a white T-shirt and fitted black jeans.

Pretty in pink: Witney flashed some skin in her tiny, beaded number with cut-outs, while Carlos showed off his muscles in a sleeveless pink button down

Green goddess: Emma Slater looked gorgeous in her backless, teal dress, as she stood with partner - and social media star - Hayes Grier

Glitzy: Chaka Khan and Keo Motsepe rocked bright purple in their striking cast photos

He hid his eyes behind a pair of Aviator sunglasses, and carried an olive green duffle bag as he made his way inside.

Allison looked stylish in a semi-sheer white blouse, which she sported tucked into a pair of Daisy Dukes, accessorized with a brown leather belt.

She finished off the look with a pair of slouchy brown leather boots, and wore her long, blonde locks in loose curls.

Sizing up the competition: Nick Carter, who may have an advantage following years of dancing as a Backstreet Boys member, and Sharna Burgess look tough in their official photo

Flaunting her bling: Karina Smirnoff showed off an armful of jewelry as she joined her partner, champion jockey Victor Espinoza, ahead of season 21's premiere on Monday

Reality TV queen: The Real Housewives of Atlanta star looked ready to hit the dance floor as she sported a daring black dress while posing with partner Tony Dovolani

The show's first married pair of contestants - Alexa and Carlos - were also all smiles as they arrived, with the former showing off toned pins in skintight black trousers.

She also donned a loose-fitting white top and a pair of tan sandals, as she toted a black backpack strapped to her back.

Carlos kept it pretty monochromatic in black jeans and a black and grey sweatshirt, also sporting dark sneakers.

His partner Witney stood out with a pair of bright pink sneakers as she arrived to get to work on Tuesday.

Solo: Andy Grammar looked cool in leather, while partner Allison Holker donned a daring, red beaded number as the two appeared in separate, official photos

Happy to be here: Andy threw his fans a smile as he arrived at rehearsals on Tuesday

Putting in the leg work! Allison showed off toned pins in Daisy Dukes as she joined Andy for rehearsals

Judge Len Goodman, 71, announced his retirement this past August and will not be a part of season 21.

Newly engaged Julianne Hough will be at the judge's table again along with Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.

The new season of Dancing With The Stars begins on September 14 on ABC.

The couple that dances together: The show's first married pair of contestants - Carlos and Alexa PenaVega - looked to be in good spirits as they arrived for Tuesday's rehearsals