Julia Stiles moved audiences and judges alike with a powerful dance honoring Heath Ledger on 'Dancing With The Stars', scoring 36/40.
The ballroom of "Dancing With The Stars" recently became the stage for an incredibly moving and expertly choreographed tribute as actress Julia Stiles honored her late "10 Things I Hate About You" co-star, Heath Ledger. The performance, which aired on "Dedication Night" around October 20-21, 2026, left judges and viewers in awe, earning Stiles and her professional partner, Ezra Sosa, some of their highest scores of the season.
Stiles and Sosa performed a contemporary routine to Frankie Valli's iconic "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," a song deeply embedded in the hearts of "10 Things I Hate About You" fans. It was the very tune Ledger's character, Patrick Verona, famously serenaded Stiles' character, Kat Stratford, with in the beloved 1999 romantic comedy. The choice of music immediately resonated, setting a poignant tone for the evening.
The emotional depth of the performance was palpable. Stiles openly shared her feelings about Ledger, who tragically passed away in 2008 at the age of 28 from an accidental overdose. She spoke of the authenticity and lessons learned from him during their time working together, expressing a heartfelt wish that she could share the enduring popularity of their film with him today. The dance itself incorporated subtle nods to the film, with Stiles wearing a blue dress reminiscent of her character's prom attire.
The culmination of the routine was particularly touching. As the music faded, a large photo of Stiles and Ledger from the film appeared on screen, and Stiles laid a rose on the steps facing it. In a surprise moment that brought many to tears, several of their "10 Things I Hate About You" co-stars, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, and Susan May Pratt, joined Stiles on the ballroom floor, creating a powerful reunion that celebrated Ledger's lasting legacy.
The judges were profoundly moved by the performance, recognizing both the technical skill and the raw emotion conveyed. Stiles and Sosa were awarded an impressive four 9s, totaling 36 out of 40, marking her highest scores of the season at that point. This exceptional scoring underscored the impact of a dance that transcended mere competition, becoming a profound artistic tribute.
This performance is a testament to how dance can tell powerful stories and honor cherished memories. We at GoDance believe everyone has a story to tell through movement, and our classes are designed to help you find your unique expression.
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Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa performed a contemporary routine to Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" for her tribute to Heath Ledger.
Julia Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa received four 9s from the judges, totaling 36 out of 40, marking her highest score of the season for that performance.
