Julia Stiles Powers Through Rib Injury to Deliver Strong Salsa Performance on Dancing With the Stars

Julia Stiles competed on Dancing With the Stars while dealing with a rib injury sustained during rehearsals, initially worrying the pain would compromise her performance. Despite her concerns and having to eliminate lifts from her routine, she delivered a salsa to Hall & Oates' "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" that earned praise from judges Bruno Tonioli, Derek Hough, and Carrie Ann Inaba. Stiles credited her partner Ezra Sosa for helping her rediscover the joy in dancing after feeling discouraged the previous week.

Julia Stiles faced significant physical challenges during her September 29 appearance on Dancing With the Stars, having sustained a rib injury during the week's rehearsals. The incident forced her and professional partner Ezra Sosa to substantially modify their planned routine, eliminating lifts and other advanced choreography that typically feature in competitive ballroom dancing. Despite the setback and her emotional reaction to the pain, Stiles maintained her commitment to the performance.

Following a disappointing tango performance the previous week, Stiles credited Sosa with helping her regain her confidence and enjoyment of the dancing process. Her salsa routine to the Hall & Oates classic earned solid scores from all three judges, with each offering constructive feedback focused on her improved emotional connection to the dance rather than technical difficulty.