DWTS’ Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa React to Juilliard’s “Shady” Post

“That was a pretend character I played in a movie,” Stiles clarified. “Not only did I not go to Juilliard, I didn’t even audition for Juilliard, and I couldn’t even, as an actress, get a dancer.”

Although her onscreen character (spoiler alert) was ultimately accepted into the prestigious performing arts school, Stiles actually graduated from Columbia University IRL—which is why she doesn’t think her training for Save the Last Dance will give her an edge on DWTS. 

“I stopped taking dance classes after that movie,” she told E!. “And I wasn’t even that good of a dancer to start with. I mean, I’m a home dancer—I have rhythm, that’s why I was cast. But in terms of the training, no. So, this is all new to me.”

However, she’s off to a swinging start. In fact, Stiles and Sosa have already picked out a team name ahead of the Sept. 14 premiere: So Stilez, as a play on their two last names. 

And, following Sosa’s annual tradition, they’re planning to get tattoos together to commemorate the season.

“Literally, it was probably one of our first discussions,” he said. “We’re like, ‘So the tattoos.’ But we don’t know what we’re gonna get yet.”

Sosa added, “We’re just gonna let the season unfold, and then we’ll see what the tattoo is.”

But even before they step into the ballroom, the dance pro already has 10 things he loves about her.

“She’s doing absolutely incredible,” Sosa added of their rehearsals. “I will confidently say I’ve never worked with someone who’s working so hard and who’s so passionate about doing this, and it just makes me so excited to see their journey on the show.”

Before Dancing With the Stars season 35 premieres Sept. 14, put on your dancing shoes and read on for a look at the rest of the cast.

—Reporting by Lauren Herbert