Julia Stiles, known for her role in the iconic film *Save the Last Dance*, is gearing up to join the competition in the 35th season of *Dancing with the Stars*. Ahead of her much-anticipated appearance, Stiles, alongside her professional dance partner Ezra Sosa, has taken steps to clarify some misconceptions regarding her dance background.
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Stiles, who gained fame for her portrayal of Sara Johnson, an aspiring ballerina, has disclosed that she relied on a body double for the majority of her dance routines in the 2001 film. This revelation emerged during a recent TikTok video featuring the actress and Sosa, wherein they addressed various rumours surrounding her experience in dance.
One of the significant myths that Stiles and Sosa dispelled was the belief that she attended The Juilliard School. This misconception, apparently stemming from her character’s storyline as a dancer, was put to rest by the duo during their light-hearted social media engagement, where they stated that Stiles has not undergone formal dance training.
During the video, the pair asserted that Stiles is not a “trained dancer” and emphasised that her dance experience was primarily tied to her film role. Rather than performing intricate choreography herself, most of the complex sequences in *Save the Last Dance* were executed by her body double. Stiles admitted she has not danced since filming the movie, yet expressed enthusiasm about her upcoming participation in *Dancing with the Stars*, declaring, “We’re ready to SLAY ON DWTS!”
Despite the reliance on a body double, Stiles has spoken in the past about the demanding preparations she undertook for her role in the film. “It was such a fun experience, and an incredible opportunity to engage in rigorous training and choreography rehearsals,” she remarked during a 2021 interview with *Today*. Stiles shared the challenges she faced in striving to match the dance skill level required for her character, admitting she had to work hard to get in shape for the role.
The casting process for *Save the Last Dance* also had its intriguing moments. Stiles was reportedly chosen for her audition after director Thomas Carter watched her perform a memorable dance scene in *10 Things I Hate About You*. Reflecting on the experience, she recounted how Carter noted her rhythm and encouraged her screen test alongside other actors vying for the part.
Now, as Stiles prepares to take to the dance floor, she acknowledges that the opportunity to participate has come after years of consideration. She has previously declined invitations to join the show, noting her initial apprehension as a significant factor in her decision. “I’ve loved the show and have always thought about it but just couldn’t bring myself to commit,” she explained during an appearance on *Good Morning America*.
This year, however, things changed. Stiles shared that perhaps due to a shift in her perspective and a realisation that “you only live once”, she decided that it was time to embrace the challenge. “This year I felt scared enough to say yes,” she reflected, demonstrating a newfound courage that resonates with her choice to participate in the beloved reality series.
As the countdown to the first episode of *Dancing with the Stars* begins, Stiles and Sosa have taken a determined stance. They seem poised to make their mark this season, ready to showcase their combination of dedication and enthusiasm on the dance floor. Fans of the actress eagerly await to see how Stiles translates her past experiences into her performances, as she transitions from an accomplished actress to a competitor on one of television’s most popular dance showcases.
With her declaration of readiness, Julia Stiles appears to be embracing this new chapter with excitement, and viewers around the UK and beyond will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what unfolds.