Julia Stiles and pro partner Ezra Sosa admit to a ‘hard day’ during “DWTS” rehearsals
Julia Stiles and pro partner Ezra Sosa admit to a ‘hard day’ during “DWTS” rehearsals
Sarah HearonFri, September 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC
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Ezra Sosa and Julia StilesCredit: ABC/José Alvarado, Jr.Key Points -
Actress Julia Stiles and her DWTS partner, Ezra Sosa, got honest about their dynamic in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
“There was a hard day,” Sosa admits.
Stiles says she appreciates the feedback, but notes, “Dancers are tough.”
Save the Last Dance star Julia Stiles and pro dancer Ezra Sosa aren’t wasting any time ahead of their ballroom debut.
While wearing matching maroon outfits, the season 35 Dancing With the Stars duo gave Entertainment Weekly insight into their practices, following the cast reveal in New York City on Wednesday.
“He’s the boss, especially when it comes to fashion,” Stiles tells EW. “I mean, we had to come correct.”
Sosa declares, “Oh my God, yeah, she’s paired with a gay twink! We have to be matching.”
“We get along very well,” he continues. “What I love about Julia, she knows what she wants, but also she’s willing to learn and she has a respect for this world and the ballroom. She’s been an absolutely incredible student.”
Sosa then admits, “There was a hard day.”
“No, but it’s okay,” Stiles counters. “You can still be hard on me. 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 and you’re like, ‘You’re late. You’re a whole beat late.’ I want all those corrections because that’s how you get better.”
“And she handles them really well,” the pro adds.
A few minutes into the chat, Sosa realizes that Stiles has taken her heels off on the carpet, prompting another revelation.
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“The first thing she said [was], ‘I have a hard time in heels,’” Sosa says. “I said, ‘Oh, okay. We’re gonna have to wear the heels ASAP.’”
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“And I did and I do!” Stiles replies. “And I’m learning.”
Sosa agrees that the 10 Things I Hate About You star is “strutting” now.
Stiles joins Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr., Tatyana Ali, Tyler Cameron, Giada De Laurentiis, Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Taylor Hanson, Sarah Jane Nader, Guillermo Rodriguez, Jackson Olson, Ezra Frech, Amber Glenn, Conner Leavitt, and Connor Wood as the season 35 cast of DWTS.
Stiles was a big fan of the show before she signed on.
When asked which of the judges — Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli— she was most anxious to impress, she says, “They’re all great. I think technically, probably, Derek, and then Carrie Ann I just idolize so much that I want her nod of approval.”
“I definitely feel like they all look for something different,” Sosa adds. “Derek’s gonna look for that technique. Carrie Ann’s gonna look for that emotion. And then Bruno just wants you to be sexy.”
The Dancing with the Stars two-night premiere airs Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
on Entertainment Weekly
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
