Julia Stiles' DWTS Save the Last Dance Tribute

Julia Stiles and her "Dancing With the Stars" partner, Ezra Sosa, paid homage to Stiles' iconic role in the 2001 film "Save the Last Dance" during the show's "Super Bowl Night." The performance, initially intended to be a different style of dance, was a direct response to requests from millennial fans who had eagerly awaited such a tribute since Stiles was announced as a contestant. Sosa expressed that they felt compelled to "lean in all the way," even admitting they weren't sure the judges would appreciate the non-traditional ballroom approach.

Their dedication and instinct paid off, as the "Save the Last Dance" tribute, set to Jennifer Lopez's "Jenny From the Block," resulted in Stiles receiving her highest scores of the current season. Stiles also shared that she felt more comfortable in her own skin, which influenced her decision to recreate a scene from the movie. The routine included a surprise cameo from her "Save the Last Dance" co-star, Sean Patrick Thomas. Stiles and Sosa successfully advanced to the next round of the competition.