Julia Stiles Takes the Floor on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Despite Rib Injury
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Julia Stiles and her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, captivated audiences with a salsa performance to the classic Hall & Oates track “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” on the latest episode of **Dancing with the Stars**, held on Tuesday, 29 September. This episode, themed “Yacht Rock Night,” brought together an array of exciting dance routines, and Stiles’ was no exception.
In a candid moment before the dance, Stiles, known for her role in the film *Save the Last Dance*, shared that she had sustained a minor injury during the practice week. “My rib really hurts and we kind of popped it,” she explained, revealing the added challenge of performing lifts and tricks while nursing the injury. However, she displayed resilience, stating, “I’m a tough cookie,” and remained determined to push through the discomfort.
Leading up to their performance, Stiles expressed her disappointment regarding the previous week’s scoring, which left her feeling vulnerable. She became emotional during rehearsals, acknowledging the competitive pressures of the show. “It’s all fun and games until you get a 5,” she remarked, demonstrating her respect for the judges while revealing the toll it can take on participants. Her partner, Sosa, provided support, praising her for her openness.
After their salsa, Stiles took a moment to gather herself and reflect on her journey, stating to co-host Julianne Hough, “I was on the struggle bus last week, but I got off it and [Ezra] pulled me off it. I finally found the fun in it again.” This sentiment resonated with fans who had been concerned about the duo’s quiet presence on social media leading up to the show. Stiles admitted their lack of posts stemmed from an intense focus on rehearsals.
Despite the challenges she’s faced during the competition, Stiles has expressed how this experience is reviving her passion for performance. Speaking to PEOPLE following “Viral Hits Night” the previous week, she acknowledged the significance of *Dancing with the Stars* in her career. “I’ve been very private throughout my career,” she said, “So coming on the show is a really big deal to me. Like, I am a performer. I do love performing, but it’s taken a bit to get me here.”
As she continues her journey on *Dancing with the Stars*, Stiles is keen on rediscovering her confidence. “The point of coming on the show is to find the confidence in performing again, and Ezra’s really helped pull me out of my shell,” she explained. Her intent to improve and grow as a dancer is evident in her commitment to engaging with the audience and the process.
In previous weeks, Stiles and Sosa had showcased their talents with a quickstep to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” marking a notable moment in the competition that elicited an apology from TV personality Andy Cohen, who had previously made a remark about Stiles’ dancing skills. After her performance, Cohen publicly praised Stiles, acknowledging her improvement and inviting viewers to celebrate her journey.
The strong support from both her partner and fans has been pivotal for Stiles as she navigates the challenges of the competition. She opened up about wanting to let people into her artistic journey more during this series, emphasising the importance of continuous growth and resiliency in the face of difficulties.
*Dancing with the Stars* continues to air live on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu. As anticipation builds for the next round, fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close watch on Stiles and Sosa’s performance and progression in the competition.