‘SNL’ Recap: Julia Stiles Recreates ‘Save the Last Dance’ Performance
Julia Stiles gave us everything we wanted for the holidays this year: a reinvented version of her Save the last dance performance.
In the Saturday December 9 episode of Saturday evening livecast member Chloe Fineman proclaimed during a “Weekend Update” segment that the iconic ballet/hip-hop dance is the best “intimate” Christmas gift for a significant other.
“I only have one sexy gift idea, and I need to demonstrate it a little bit,” Fineman, 35, told the co-hosts Colin Jost And Michael Che from her spot in front of the ‘Update’ desk. “The sexiest gift you can give your partner is to try something new in the bedroom.”
Of course, the only idea Fineman had in mind was to recreate Stiles’ choreography from the 2001 dance film. She took off her festive Mrs. Claus dress to reveal a black leotard and sweatpants, which were similar to the outfit that Stiles, now 42, wore during the film’s audition scene.
“Hit it!” Fineman exclaimed before pulling out a near flawless replica of Stiles’ moves. “[This is] street ballet. Basically, Julia Stiles’ character is an uptight ballerina, who auditions to get into Juilliard but doesn’t get in. On the same day, her mother dies in a car accident.
Colin Jost, Chloe Fineman, surprise guest Julia Stiles and Michael Che during ‘Weekend Update’ on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
Will Heath/NBCHowever, Jost, 41, was confused about how the “street” element got into the ballet routine, but Che, 40, clarified the film’s plot for him.
“Colin, come on,” Che joked. “Sara moves to the south side of Chicago and goes to a more urban high school, where she learns hip-hop, duh.”
Fineman also detailed the storyline, explaining to Jost that Stiles’ character ultimately got another chance to audition for the prestigious art school – and her crush Derek (played by Sean Patrick Thomas) skipped a “drive-by shooting” to show his support. The camera then panned to SNL cast member Devon Walkerdressed like Derek, clenched his fists and nodded his head.
‘Save the Last Dance’ Cast: Where Are They Now?
Leave everything on the floor! Before they became household names, Julia Stiles, Kerry Washington and more stars danced for their lives in 2001’s Save the Last Dance. The teen drama follows Sara Johnson (Stiles), a promising young ballerina who sets her sights on attending the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. After […]
By the end, Jost just wanted to know if Sara’s routine was good enough to secure her admission to Juilliard. Stiles himself then jumped in to answer the question.
“Yes,” Stiles shouted, dressed in a matching leotard and sweatpants. “Sara did get into Juilliard.”
After Jost wondered “how,” Stiles pointed out that he hadn’t seen the end of the crowd-pleasing routine yet. Stiles and Fineman performed the chair portion of the in unison Save the last dance number.
“So, Colin, what did you think?” Fineman asked before Jo noted his approval. He added, quoting the film, “Well, I can’t say this on the record yet, but welcome to Juilliard!”
Stiles and Fineman, who waited with bated breath for the results, then shared their excitement over the rave review. “Yes, yes,” they replied.
Saturday evening live airs on NBC Saturdays at 11:30 PM ET.