Julia Stiles says ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is helping her rediscover confidence in performing
Actor Julia Stiles opens up about overcoming fear and reclaiming her relationship with fame through her journey on Dancing with the Stars.
Hollywood actress Julia Stiles is undergoing a profound personal transformation on the dance floor. The veteran performer has revealed that competing on Dancing with the Stars is serving as a vital tool for her to rebuild her confidence and reconnect with her identity as a performer.
After years of intentionally maintaining a private life away from the relentless glare of the spotlight, the 45-year-old star is using the reality competition to step back into the public eye on her own terms.
Reclaiming the Spotlight
For Stiles, joining the show is much more than just a dance competition; it is a significant personal milestone. She shared that throughout her career, she has prioritized her personal life, including her journey through college and raising a family, rather than chasing the fame that often follows successful actors.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been a very private person,” Stiles admitted. “I went to college, I knew that I wanted to have kids and raise a family, and I didn’t really chase the spotlight the way I think people expected.”
Despite her preference for privacy, her passion for the craft remains. She noted that while she loves performing, it has taken considerable time and effort to reach this stage of her journey.
A Complicated History with Fame
The Save the Last Dance star, who first captured global attention at age 17 in 10 Things I Hate About You, reflected on the intense emotions that accompanied her early rise to stardom. She described her initial experience with fame as a whirlwind of conflicting feelings.
- The Intoxication: She admitted to being initially captivated by the attention.
- The Fear: The sudden intensity of being watched scared her, leading her to retreat from the limelight.
- The Reclamation: By participating in the show, she is actively working to reshape her relationship with being observed by an audience.
During a recent "Viral Hits Night" episode, Stiles and her professional partner, Ezra Sosa, performed a tango to Teddy Swims’ “Door.” The performance allowed her to tap into a personal connection with the music, highlighting her complicated history with public life.
Overcoming Hesitation and Fear
The road to the ballroom was not an easy one. Stiles revealed that producers had approached her multiple times over several years, but she consistently declined the invitation. Her hesitation was rooted primarily in her own anxieties.
“It’s taken a couple of years,” she explained. “They’ve asked me in previous years and every year I say, ‘Oh my God, I love the show, and I would love to go on, but I just can’t do it.’”
Ultimately, a shift in mindset led her to say yes. “This year I was like, ‘I’m scared I might say yes.’ The timing just felt right, and I was like, ‘You only live once,’” she said.
The Journey Continues
Stiles credited her partner, Ezra Sosa, with helping her break out of her shell. Her primary objective remains finding her footing and feeling comfortable performing in front of crowds once again. She expressed a desire to keep pushing her boundaries, stating, “I just wanna keep letting people in. I wanna keep trying. I wanna get better and better.”
Stiles and Sosa earned a score of 16 out of 30 during the second week of the competition. Fans can look forward to their next performance during "Yacht Rock Classics Night."