Julia Stiles Opens Up About Her Tough but Supportive ‘DWTS’ Partnership
Julia Stiles and her Dancing With the Stars partner, Ezra Sosa, are already getting candid about what it’s really like working together ahead of their ballroom debut.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the pair opened up about their rehearsal dynamic, admitting that while they get along extremely well, Sosa isn’t afraid to push the actress when she needs it.
“There was a hard day,” Sosa admitted.
Stiles, however, made it clear that she welcomes the criticism.
“You can still be hard on me,” the actress said. “It comes in waves. You’re so supportive in an amazing way and I know you’re gonna help me shine. But dancers are tough.”
She recalled Sosa calling out her timing during rehearsals, saying, “You’re late. You’re a whole beat late.” Rather than taking it personally, Stiles said she wants those corrections because they help her improve.
“And she handles them really well,” Sosa added.
The pair also joked about Stiles’ struggle with dancing in heels. According to Sosa, one of the first things she told him was, “I have a hard time in heels.”
His response? They needed to get her into heels as soon as possible.
“And I did and I do!” Stiles said. “And I’m learning.”
Sosa now believes the 10 Things I Hate About You star is becoming more comfortable and is even “strutting” her way through rehearsals.
The actress joins a star-studded season 35 cast that includes Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr., Tatyana Ali, Tyler Cameron, Giada De Laurentiis, Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Taylor Hanson, Guillermo Rodriguez, Amber Glenn and others.
Stiles was already a longtime fan of Dancing With the Stars before joining the competition, and she admitted she’s eager to impress all three judges.
“Technically, probably, Derek,” she said when asked which judge makes her most nervous. She also revealed that she has always admired Carrie Ann Inaba and hopes to earn her approval.
Sosa explained that each judge looks for something different: Derek Hough focuses on technique, Carrie Ann looks for emotion, while Bruno Tonioli wants contestants to bring the “sexy” factor.
The two-night Dancing With the Stars Season 35 premiere airs Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.