Julia Stiles in tears rehearsing Heath Ledger tribute for Dancing With the Stars
Julia Stiles says she has been crying in rehearsals for her Dancing With the Stars tribute to Heath Ledger. She spoke to Variety on Thursday at the InStyle Imagemaker Awards in Los Angeles.
Stiles and professional partner Ezra Sosa will perform a Contemporary dance for Dedication Night, the themed episode where each celebrity dedicates a routine to someone important in their life. Their dance will honour Ledger, Stiles’ late co-star in 10 Things I Hate About You, according to ABC News. The episode airs on ABC on Oct. 20.
The music choice is direct from the film. The pair will dance to Frankie Valli’s 1967 song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” In 10 Things I Hate About You, Ledger’s character serenades Stiles’ character with that same song in a stadium scene.
Stiles told Variety the routine has been emotional to practise. She also described the tribute as “really special,” according to Entertainment Weekly.
She said producers had asked her to join Dancing With the Stars for the past couple of years before she said yes. Turning 45 helped make the decision. She wanted to try something new.
For viewers who grew up with the film, this means a familiar song in a new setting. It is also a rare moment where Stiles revisits that on-screen partnership in public.
