Julia Stiles showcased her dancing prowess in a delightful surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live. The 42-year-old actress reprised her iconic role as Sara from the 2001 film Save the Last Dance in a comedic skit on the show.
The sketch kicked off with SNL’s Chloe Fineman, donned in a Christmas robe, presenting a “sexy gift idea” for the holidays on Weekend Update, hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che. Fineman, 35, teased the perfect holiday gift—the dance Stiles performed at the end of Save the Last Dance. She then revealed an all-black outfit reminiscent of Stiles’ character’s final performance look.
Julia Stiles (Credits: Deadline)
Executing a dance routine she dubbed “Street/Ballet,” Fineman emulated Sara’s memorable last dance. Jost, 41, inquired about Sara’s fate, to which Stiles, sporting a matching outfit and slick bun, interjected with a triumphant “Yes!” She confirmed Sara’s acceptance into Julliard, teasing that the audience missed the end of the dance.
As Fineman exclaimed, “Hit it!” both actresses synchronized their Save the Last Dance routine, concluding with a celebratory fist bump while seated on chairs. Jost humorously welcomed Fineman to Julliard, adding a touch of levity to the performance.
Save the Last Dance catapulted Stiles to stardom, featuring a notable cast that included Sean Patrick Thomas, Kerry Washington, and Bianca Lawson. In the film, Sara’s dance routine secures her admission to the prestigious performing arts school, Julliard, in New York City.
The SNL episode, hosted by Adam Driver for the fourth time, featured musical guest Olivia Rodrigo. Driver, reprising his role as Kylo Ren from Star Wars, previously hosted the show in 2016 and engaged in a comedic skit as a First Order employee on Undercover Boss: Where Are They Now. SNL airs at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
