Julia Stiles made an anticipated appearance on “Dancing with the Stars,” sparking curiosity about a possible nod to her movie “Save The Last Dance.” The moment arrived in Week 5, where she and her former co-star paid tribute to their iconic 2001 film.
On the show’s Super Bowl-themed night, Stiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa, showcased a fusion of hip-hop and ballet to Jennifer Lopez’s “Jenny from the Block.” Their performance echoed the essence of “Save The Last Dance,” with Stiles reprising her role as Sara Johnson, a ballet dancer captivated by hip-hop.
In a standout moment, Sosa stepped back during the routine, allowing Stiles to shine with the film’s signature choreography. The camera captured Sean Patrick Thomas, who played Derek Reynolds in the movie, mirroring a classic scene on the sidelines.
Following the performance, Stiles shared her excitement with co-host Julianne Hough, expressing a 25-year desire fulfilled. The audience responded with cheers and applause to the nostalgic recreation.
The routine garnered high praise from the judges, earning Stiles and Sosa their best scores of the season, ensuring their safety from elimination. Social media buzzed with reactions from fans and celebrities, including a shoutout from Jennifer Lopez herself.
While many lauded the performance, some viewers raised concerns about perceived favoritism towards Stiles and Sosa. Criticisms pointed out discrepancies in judging treatment compared to other contestants, stirring debates online about fairness and critique consistency on the show.