Julia Stiles made a memorable appearance on the show “Dancing with the Stars,” sparking curiosity if she would bring elements from the movie “Save The Last Dance” to the dance floor. In Week 5 of the competition, Stiles, along with her former co-star, paid homage to the 2001 film through a special performance.
During the live show themed around the Super Bowl, Stiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa, showcased a hip-hop ballet routine set to Jennifer Lopez’s “Jenny from the Block.” The performance was a tribute to Stiles’ character in the movie, Sara Johnson, a ballet dancer who aspired to join Juilliard and fell in love with a hip-hop dancer, Derek Reynolds.
In a standout moment, Sosa stepped back during the routine, allowing Stiles to perform her iconic choreography from the film. The camera captured Stiles in the spotlight, while her co-star, Sean Patrick Thomas, recreated a classic movie moment on the sidelines, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere.
After the performance, Stiles expressed her excitement to co-host Julianne Hough, stating, “I’ve been wanting to do that for 25 years.” The crowd cheered enthusiastically in response to the performance.
The routine garnered positive feedback from the judges, earning Stiles and Sosa their highest scores of the season and securing their spot for the next round. Fans and celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez and Snooki, took to social media to praise the performance.
While many applauded the duo’s performance, some viewers criticized what they perceived as favoritism towards Stiles and Sosa compared to other contestants who faced stricter critiques for their routines. The debate on judging fairness and dance styles continues among fans on social media platforms.