‘DWTS’ Week 5: Julia Stiles Throws It Back to ‘Save the Last Dance’ With JLo Hip Hop Jazz Routine

Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars marked a special occasion with its first-ever episode airing on Super Bowl night, bringing a fresh dynamic by incorporating NFL legends and a guest judge from the football world. The episode paid homage to memorable halftime performances, creating a unique fusion of sports and entertainment.

Joe Buck, known widely as the voice behind Monday Night Football, joined the panel as a guest judge, lending his perspective to the competition. Alongside him were former NFL players who have danced on the show in past seasons, including Emmitt Smith and Donald Driver, adding a layer of star power and credibility to the football-themed episode.

The dances of the evening revisited hits from prominent artists such as Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Usher, and Jennifer Lopez, each routine reflecting the energy and style of celebrated halftime acts. A highlight was Julia Stiles’ routine, which creatively referenced her role in the film Save the Last Dance. Partnered with Ezra Sosa, Stiles delivered a hip-hop jazz performance set to Jennifer Lopez’s “Jenny from the Block,” integrating ballet and hip-hop elements reminiscent of her iconic movie choreography. This routine stood out as a milestone in her progress on the show.

The competition remained fierce, as judges Bruno Tonioli, Derek Hough, and Carrie Ann Inaba frequently remarked on the season’s heightened level of skill and commitment among the contestants. Jenna Dewan emerged as a frontrunner with a powerful paso doble to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” a routine that impressed both the judges and guest judge Buck.

Among the other notable performances, Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn captivated with a samba to J Balvin’s “Mi Gente,” showcasing both technical proficiency and vibrant flair. Similarly, Paralympian Ezra Frech closed the night with an energetic salsa to Nelly’s “Hot in Herre,” praised for its precision and spirited execution.

Some contestants faced challenges; comedian Guillermo Rodriguez, despite a strong fan following and spirited performances, was eliminated after landing at the bottom of the leaderboard. His final salsa to Bad Bunny’s “Tití Me Preguntó” was highlighted by his partner Witney Carson’s dynamic choreography. Other dancers like Connor Wood and Tatyana Ali showed promise but received mixed critiques, signaling room for growth as the competition intensifies.

The producers incorporated narrative elements that revealed personal backstories and physical hurdles, such as Maura Higgins’ ongoing neck injury, which added emotional depth to her tango performance. The show also featured moments of tension, including a dispute over the interpretation of lifts in Harry Shum Jr.’s samba routine, underscoring the strict technical standards upheld by the judges.

Overall, the Super Bowl night edition of Dancing With the Stars combined the excitement of football’s biggest night with the artistry of ballroom and Latin dance, elevating the stakes and spotlighting contestants’ versatility. The integration of NFL personalities and thematic musical selections provided a distinctive atmosphere, while standout performances like Julia Stiles’ paid tribute to iconic dance moments in popular culture.

As the season progresses, the level of competition appears to be escalating, with both technical skill and audience engagement playing critical roles. These developments suggest that the dancers will continue to push their boundaries, promising an engaging path forward in this crossover celebration of music, dance, and sport according to thewrap.com.