Julia Stiles Reflects on Over Two Decades Since ‘Save the Last Dance’ as She Dances in Tribute at ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Julia Stiles, the actress who gained fame for her role as aspiring ballerina Sara Johnson in the iconic 2001 film *Save the Last Dance*, recently shared her thoughts on how much she has evolved since those formative years. Stiles, now 45, was reminiscing at the *Dancing with the Stars* season 35 premiere event, held in Los Angeles on 14 October 2026.
During a special performance, Stiles not only celebrated her past but also brought her former co-star Sean Patrick Thomas on stage, marking a significant nod to their shared history. The pair performed a jazz routine to Jennifer Lopez’s well-known track “Jenny from the Block,” transitioning into a contemporary interpretation of Sara’s memorable Juilliard audition from *Save the Last Dance*. Their stunning performance garnered Stiles and her professional partner, Ezra Sosa, their highest score of the season thus far.
Reflecting on the event, Stiles expressed her commitment to elevating her performance, stating, “I wasn’t gonna come on this show and recreate that dance and not step it up a notch.” Her confidence and dedication were evident, with Sosa commending her performance, stating that she truly “owned” her solo moment. He described Stiles as “locked in” prior to taking the stage, a sentiment that resonated with the passion they shared during the dance.
Stiles took a moment to look back on her journey since the early 2000s, wishing her younger self had known what lay in store for her. She remarked, “Little Julia back then, I wish that she could have known that like years later she would be here, making that dance even better.” Her reflection highlighted her growth, both personally and professionally, noting that she has become more comfortable in her identity.
The actress went on to mention that for the past 25 years, she had been hoping for a chance to revisit her role from *Save the Last Dance*. “I never knew that I would get it on my favourite TV show on the planet,” she said excitedly, expressing her enjoyment of the experience.
The surprise reunion with Thomas, who played her character’s love interest, added a heartwarming twist to the evening. Sosa revealed that it was *Dancing with the Stars* co-host, Alfonso Ribeiro, who facilitated Thomas’s appearance. Ribeiro approached Sosa during rehearsals, emphasizing the importance of integrating Thomas into the performance. “It was like the cherry on top of this show,” Sosa said, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the scenes.
For Stiles, seeing Thomas again felt significant. “I got to wave at him before the show started. It was full circle,” she noted, clearly thrilled by the reunion.
In a more light-hearted moment, Stiles took to TikTok to clarify aspects of her dance training for *Save the Last Dance*, stating that she had not attended The Juilliard School as some had speculated. She disclosed that a body double performed many of the more complex dance sequences for her character during filming. However, she also emphasised the hard work she put into preparation, sharing, “I had to bust my butt to get in shape.”
Looking back at her experience on the dance floor, she expressed gratitude for the rigorous training she underwent to authentically portray her character. “I wanted to look like I could catch up to the level that Sara was supposed to be at,” she elaborated during a previous interview, underscoring her commitment to embodying the role.
As Julia Stiles revels in these new chapters of her career, it is clear that the wisdom gained over the past two decades has provided her with renewed confidence and a deeper appreciation for her past. With her performance on *Dancing with the Stars*, Stiles not only paid homage to her roots but also demonstrated that she continues to grow and evolve as an artist.