Actress Julia Stiles delighted fans and judges alike on October 13, 2026, by bringing a piece of her cinematic history to the ballroom during Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars. Performing a high-energy jazz routine alongside professional partner Ezra Sosa, Stiles revisited the unforgettable choreography of her 2001 breakout film, Save the Last Dance, during the show’s “Super Bowl Night” episode.
A Nostalgic Throwback to a 2001 Classic
Taking to the dance floor for Week 5, Stiles and Sosa performed to Jennifer Lopez’s hit “Jenny From the Block,” featuring Jadakiss and Styles P. Dressed in a cropped top and wearing a long braid reminiscent of her character Sara Johnson, Stiles incorporated definitive movements from the Thomas Carter-directed film. The routine featured a standout solo segment that heavily recalled the movie’s memorable folding chair-dance scene, echoing her character’s famous Juilliard audition.
The homage carried a special surprise for the audience when Stiles’ former co-star, Sean Patrick Thomas, appeared in the background. Standing just over Sosa’s shoulder in the crowd, Thomas recreated his iconic stance from the film by holding his jacket over his shoulder, mirroring the exact moment his character Derek watched Sara audition.
“We had a great time doing ‘Save the Last Dance’ back in the day and she brought it all the way back here tonight,” Thomas shared in an Instagram video clip, adding that he was “over the moon” to support her live in the audience.
Judges’ Scores and Fan Reactions
The nostalgia-filled performance resonated strongly with the judges, earning Stiles and Sosa a combined score of 33 out of 40 points. Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli each awarded the pair an 8, while guest judge and Monday Night Football broadcaster Joe Buck handed out a 9.
Bruno Tonioli praised the actress’s execution and performance quality, remarking that she got into the groove brilliantly. “I didn’t know how good you were at hip-hop,” Tonioli gushed. “I loved the tribute to your own hit, of course, but the whole routine, not just the dancing, the interpretation, the construction, the way you play the character, your best one so far.”
Following the dance, co-host Julianne Hough caught up with Stiles in the skybox, where the actress admitted, “I’d been wanting to do that for 25 years.”
Addressing Prior Controversies and Competition Goals
Stiles’ appearance on Season 35 has kept her in the headlines beyond her weekly routines. Earlier in the season, the actress addressed lighthearted controversy surrounding her casting, pushing back against assumptions that her role in the 2001 dance film gave her an unfair advantage. She also made headlines after trading playful remarks with radio host Andy Cohen following a previous critique, which culminated in Cohen offering an on-air apology and praising her dedication to the competition.
For Stiles, the journey on Dancing With the Stars represents a personal quest to rediscover her love for movement. Having explained that she previously felt self-conscious and tense about public expectations following the release of Save the Last Dance, her Week 5 performance marked a triumphant celebration of reclaiming her confidence on the ballroom floor.
