Julia Stiles made a special appearance on the popular show “Dancing with the Stars,” raising the question of whether she would bring elements of the iconic movie “Save The Last Dance” to the dance floor. The answer was a resounding yes as in Week 5, Stiles and a former co-star paid tribute to the 2001 film with a performance.
During the show, which was 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.” This performance was a clear reference to Stiles’ role in “Save The Last Dance,” where she portrayed a ballet dancer named Sara Johnson who aspired to attend Juilliard and fell in love with a hip-hop dancer played by Sean Patrick Thomas.
A standout moment in the routine was when Sosa stepped aside, allowing Stiles to perform a solo segment featuring iconic choreography from the film. The camera captured Thomas on the sidelines, recreating a classic scene from the movie by nodding along to the performance, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
Following the performance, Stiles expressed her excitement, stating, “I’ve been wanting to do that for 25 years.” The audience erupted in cheers, reflecting the positive reception of the homage to “Save The Last Dance.”
The routine earned high praise from the judges, resulting in Stiles and Sosa receiving their best scores of the season so far. Additionally, they were spared from elimination, securing their position in the competition.
The social media sphere buzzed with reactions to the performance, including comments from fans and celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Snooki. While many praised Stiles’ energy and performance, some viewers criticized what they perceived as favoritism towards Stiles and Sosa, contrasting it with the treatment of other contestants who faced stricter critiques for their performances.
Overall, Stiles’ tribute to “Save The Last Dance” was a highlight of the show, showcasing her talent and capturing the hearts of fans and viewers alike.