Julia Stiles is making a splash in the world of dance with her recent appearance on the beloved television competition, “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS). The 45-year-old actress, known for her roles in films such as “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Save the Last Dance,” revealed that her participation in the show is a significant step towards rediscovering her confidence in performance.
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In her latest dance routine, Stiles teamed up with professional dancer Ezra Sosa to perform a tango to “Door” by Teddy Swims during the show’s “Viral Hits Night” on Tuesday, 22 September. Their efforts were met with a score of 16 out of 30, yet Stiles expressed that her main goal was not merely to score well, but to rekindle her passion for performing.
In a candid discussion with PEOPLE, Stiles shared her sentiments about being in the spotlight, reflecting on her early experiences with fame. She gained recognition as a teenager when she portrayed Kat Stratford, a role that brought both excitement and apprehension. “I was intoxicated by fame,” she recalled, adding that it also made her anxious and led her to withdraw from the public eye for a period. “I’m reclaiming my relationship with people watching me,” she stated, indicating that her journey on DWTS is about empowerment and self-discovery.
Stiles commented on her history of maintaining a private life amidst a career in showbiz. After attending university, she chose to focus on raising a family rather than pursuing fame, a decision that didn’t fit the public’s perceptions of her career path. She stated, “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].”
In discussing her motivations for joining DWTS, Stiles reiterated that confidence in performance was a central theme. The actress expressed, “My whole point in coming on the show is to find the confidence in performing again, and Ezra’s really helped pull me out of my shell.” However, she acknowledged that the journey is not without its challenges and emphasised her commitment to continuous improvement.
This is not Stiles’ first encounter with the hit dance competition; she had been approached in previous years but had declined the offers due to her apprehensions. “It’s taken a couple of years,” she mentioned, explaining how fear had held her back from participating in the show sooner. This year, however, she felt differently. “The timing just felt right, and I was like, ‘You only live once,’” she exclaimed.
Stiles and Sosa’s performance was met with a mix of encouragement and constructive feedback, reflective of the show’s intent to help contestants grow and evolve as performers. The couple is already gearing up for their next performance in the upcoming “Yacht Rock Classics Night,” which promises to bring another lively display of dance and entertainment.
“Dancing with the Stars” continues to be a platform not only for showcasing dance skills but also for fostering personal growth and confidence among participants. Stiles’ journey serves as an inspiring narrative of how stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can lead to personal and artistic revival.
For those eager to catch more of the action, “Dancing with the Stars” airs live on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+. Episodes are also available for streaming on Hulu the following day, providing audiences with easy access to follow the contestants’ journeys each week.