In a surprise appearance on "Saturday Night Live," Julia Stiles delighted fans by recreating her iconic final dance from the 2001 film "Save the Last Dance." The actress joined cast member Chloe Fineman during the show's “Weekend Update” segment, where Fineman introduced the dance as the perfect holiday gift. Fineman, dressed in a Christmas robe, shed her festive attire to reveal an all-black outfit reminiscent of Stiles' character's costume in the film. She proceeded to perform a full routine, which she dubbed "Street/Ballet," in homage to the movie's plot.

As Fineman danced, she recapped the story of the film, which follows Stiles' character Sara, an aspiring dancer who fails to secure a spot at Juilliard. Sara then moves to Chicago and meets Derek, played by Sean Patrick Thomas, who helps her pursue her dreams. When “Weekend Update” co-host Colin Jost asked if Sara eventually gets into Juilliard, Stiles appeared on stage in the same all-black outfit and confidently confirmed, "Yes, Sara did get into Juilliard."

The audience erupted in cheers as Stiles joined Fineman to perform the final dance routine from the film. The skit ended with a fist bump and Jost jokingly welcoming Stiles to Juilliard. Stiles, known for her roles in films like "10 Things I Hate About You" opposite Heath Ledger, has recently taken a step back from Hollywood to focus on raising her son, Strummer Newcomb Cook, whom she shares with husband Preston J. Cook. However, the actress has since returned to the spotlight and is currently starring in the Amazon Prime comedy "The Lake."

The surprise SNL appearance not only reminded fans of Stiles' talent and the enduring popularity of "Save the Last Dance," but it also brought back memories of her collaboration with Ledger, who tragically passed away in 2008. Stiles has continued to thrive in her personal and professional life, as she and Cook announced in November 2021 that they were expecting their second child. They welcomed son Arlo in January 2022, and Stiles shared the joyous news on Instagram, expressing her love for her expanding family.

While Stiles has faced occasional criticism on social media, particularly regarding her parenting, she has always maintained a positive attitude. In response to critics who claimed she was holding her newborn son incorrectly in a photo, Stiles urged Instagrammers to focus on more enjoyable activities, such as dancing to a Clash record in their living rooms. Her ability to handle such scrutiny with grace and humor showcases her resilience as both a mother and a public figure.

Overall, Stiles' surprise appearance on SNL was a moment of nostalgia for fans of "Save the Last Dance," highlighting her enduring talent and the impact of the beloved film. As she continues to balance her personal life and acting career, Stiles remains an inspiration to many.