Julia Stiles Channels Dolly Parton in High-Energy 'Dancing With the Stars' Debut
The 'Save the Last Dance' star kicked off her ballroom journey with pro partner Ezra Sosa, performing a Quickstep to '9 to 5.'
By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 2 min read
Julia Stiles officially traded big-screen choreography for ballroom sequins, making a major splash during her debut on *Dancing With the Stars*. The beloved actress, famously remembered for her lead role in the classic dance drama *Save the Last Dance*, took center stage to deliver a bright, high-octane routine that immediately energized the audience. For her very first dance of the season, Stiles pulled out all the stops to honor country music icon Dolly Parton. Performing alongside her professional dance partner Ezra Sosa, the pair tackled a speedy Quickstep set to Parton’s legendary anthem, "9 to 5." From the first beat, the duo brought high energy, polished styling, and plenty of personality to the floor.
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Executing a fast-moving Quickstep on night one is a formidable challenge for any celebrity contestant, but Stiles threw herself into the choreography with total commitment. She and Sosa glided across the ballroom, matching the upbeat pace of the country classic. The performance captured the fun-loving spirit of Parton while giving Stiles an ideal showcase for her natural stage presence. Her appearance on the competition series marks a nostalgia-filled moment for fans who watched her dance in hit films during the early 2000s. While her previous acting roles gave her plenty of comfort in front of the camera, learning formal ballroom technique under the live television lights demands a whole new skill set.
Who is Julia Stiles paired with on DWTS?
Stiles is partnered for the season with professional dancer Ezra Sosa. Their collaboration got off to a strong start, with Sosa designing a routine that mixed intricate footwork with crowd-pleasing flair built around the country theme. The debut routine established Stiles as an exciting contender to watch as the season unfolds. Fans will be tuning in to see if the movie star can maintain her momentum and make a deep run toward the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. If her initial tribute to country royalty is any indication, she is ready for the competition.
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The backstory
Verified moments, in order.
Dolly Parton: The Career Behind '9 to 5'
From a television partnership she outgrows to a workplace anthem that crosses into pop, Parton builds a career on songwriting, screen roles and business decisions that sometimes draw fire.
Porter Wagoner opens the national door
Parton joins The Porter Wagoner Show, gaining a national television platform. Their recording partnership produces a run of country duets, while she continues building her own career as a singer and songwriter.
A farewell becomes a signature song
Parton releases the Jolene album, pairing its title song with I Will Always Love You. She writes the latter about her decision to leave Wagoner’s show and pursue her solo career; her regular run on the program ends that year.
'9 to 5' takes her into the movies
Parton makes her feature-film acting debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in 9 to 5, playing secretary Doralee Rhodes in a comedy about women taking on their sexist boss. She also writes and performs the title song, which reaches No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981 and earns an Academy Award nomination.
Whitney Houston brings her song to another audience
Houston records I Will Always Love You for The Bodyguard soundtrack. Her version spends 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Parton’s songwriting a blockbuster second life nearly two decades after her original recording.
She starts mailing children books
Parton launches the Imagination Library in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee. The program sends free books to young children and later expands internationally, making childhood literacy a central part of her public work.
- Flashpoint
'Dixie' comes off the sign
The Dixie Stampede dinner attractions become Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Dropping the word draws backlash from opponents of the change and puts Parton’s business into the argument over Confederate associations in American entertainment.
A research donation reaches beyond entertainment
Parton donates $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 research. The gift helps support work involved in developing Moderna’s vaccine, adding a public-health chapter to her philanthropy.
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People also ask
- What song did Julia Stiles dance to on Dancing With the Stars?
- Julia Stiles danced a Quickstep to Dolly Parton's iconic hit song '9 to 5' for her show debut.
- Who is Julia Stiles' partner on DWTS?
- Julia Stiles is paired with professional dancer Ezra Sosa for the season.
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