Julia Stiles is getting ready to trade movie sets for the ballroom as she prepares for her Dancing With the Stars debut with professional partner Ezra Sosa.
The actress and Sosa recently opened up about their rehearsals ahead of the Season 35 premiere. Their comments suggest that Stiles has been putting serious effort into learning the demands of ballroom dancing.
Sosa praised Stiles for her work ethic and enthusiasm, while Stiles highlighted his patience, creativity, and approach to choreography.
Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars begins with a two-night premiere on September 15 and 16 on ABC and Disney+.
Julia Stiles Is Taking DWTS Rehearsals Seriously
Stiles may be familiar with dance on screen, but ballroom competition is a different challenge.
During a recent interview with E! News, Sosa said Stiles has been working extremely hard during rehearsals. He also praised her passion for the competition and said he is excited to see how her journey develops throughout the season.
For Stiles, the preparation has involved plenty of repetition.
The actress explained that she enjoys working through choreography repeatedly. That approach appears to fit well with Sosa’s teaching style, which she described as patient and precise.
Their partnership has therefore developed around a simple formula: practice, correction, and plenty of repetition.
Ezra Sosa Is Helping Julia Stiles Find Confidence
Stiles also credited Sosa with helping her feel more confident as she takes on a completely new challenge.
Rather than simply teaching steps, Sosa has been helping her understand the precision required in ballroom dancing. Stiles has also expressed appreciation for the creative process behind his choreography.
That creative partnership could become an important part of their DWTS journey.
ABC’s official Season 35 cast announcement confirms that Stiles will compete alongside Sosa for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Julia Stiles Does Not Have Extensive Formal Dance Training
Stiles’ casting has attracted particular attention because of her connection to the 2001 movie Save the Last Dance.
In the film, she played Sara Johnson, a character pursuing ballet training. However, Stiles has explained that her movie experience should not be mistaken for years of professional dance training.
She has said that she stopped taking dance classes after making the film and described herself as more of a casual dancer.
That makes her DWTS experience especially interesting. Although she has performed dance-related choreography before, ballroom dancing requires a different set of techniques and movement patterns.
Recent coverage has also highlighted the distinction between Stiles’ previous dance experience and the demands of competitive ballroom.
Stiles and Sosa Have Already Built a Team Identity
The partnership has also developed a playful side.
Stiles and Sosa have reportedly settled on a team name, “So Stilez,” combining their surnames.
The pair have even discussed getting matching tattoos after the season. However, they have not decided what those tattoos would be and appear to be leaving that decision until their DWTS experience unfolds.
For now, the focus remains on getting ready for the ballroom.
When Does Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Start?
Dancing With the Stars Season 35 premieres on Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Episodes will also stream on Hulu the following day.
The new season features 16 celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers.
Alongside Stiles and Sosa, the cast includes Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr., Tatyana Ali, Giada De Laurentiis, Taylor Hanson, Maura Higgins, Tyler Cameron, and other familiar names.
What to Expect From Julia Stiles on DWTS
Stiles enters the competition with some performance experience but without extensive ballroom training.
That could make her progress one of the more interesting stories to follow this season.
Her willingness to repeat choreography, combined with Sosa’s experience as a professional dancer, gives the partnership plenty of room to grow. The real test, however, will come when they take their rehearsed routines to the live ballroom.
For now, both appear focused on preparation rather than predictions.
And with the Season 35 premiere just days away, viewers will soon find out how Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa translate their rehearsal work into their first competitive performance.