Save the Last Dance remains a cultural touchstone, especially for those who came of age in the early 2000s. While often categorized simply as a teen romance, this Dance Movie With Julia Stiles delves into themes far beyond first love. It explores race, class, grief, and personal transformation, all set against a backdrop of compelling dance sequences and a killer early-aughts soundtrack. But revisiting it now, over two decades later, invites a deeper look at what makes this film so enduring, and also where it occasionally stumbles.
At its heart, Save the Last Dance introduces us to Sara (Julia Stiles), a ballet dancer whose dreams are derailed by tragedy. After losing her mother in a car accident en route to Sara’s Juilliard audition, she moves to Chicago to live with her estranged father. Fish out of water doesn’t even begin to cover it. Sara arrives in a predominantly Black neighborhood, attending a new high school where hip-hop is the dominant dance form and culture. Initially, Sara is presented as utterly clueless, a depiction that, while serving the narrative arc, leans heavily into stereotypes.
Sara in her initial 'ballet' attire, looking out of place at her new school.
Image alt text: Julia Stiles as Sara in Save the Last Dance, wearing a bright pink coat and winter accessories, looking overwhelmed at her new, urban high school.
Enter Chenille (Kerry Washington) and Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), siblings who become Sara’s guides and, arguably, the true emotional core of the film. Chenille, with her sharp style and no-nonsense attitude, takes Sara under her wing, offering a crash course in everything from fashion to social navigation. Derek, Chenille’s brother, becomes Sara’s dance partner and romantic interest, opening her eyes (and ears) to hip-hop culture.
Image alt text: Kerry Washington as Chenille in Save the Last Dance, showcasing early 2000s fashion while advising Julia Stiles’ character, Sara, on her appearance.
One of the most critiqued aspects of Save the Last Dance is Sara’s initial portrayal. She’s presented as naive to the point of absurdity, seemingly oblivious to hip-hop despite its mainstream popularity in 2001. Her wide-eyed shock at hip-hop dance in the school cafeteria feels exaggerated, a plot device to highlight her outsider status. However, this initial awkwardness also sets the stage for her transformation.
Sara observing hip-hop dancers in the school cafeteria, showcasing her initial unfamiliarity with the dance style.
Image alt text: Julia Stiles’ character, Sara, watches Bianca Lawson’s Nikki dancing hip-hop in Save the Last Dance, displaying her unfamiliarity with the urban dance genre.
Through Chenille and Derek, Sara begins to shed her ballet-centric worldview and embrace new forms of expression. The film highlights the cultural exchange, albeit sometimes simplistically. Sara learns hip-hop dance, while Derek is implied to gain a broader perspective through his connection with Sara. The makeover montage, set to Fatman Scoop’s “Put Your Hands Up,” is a classic teen movie moment, visually marking Sara’s shift.
Image alt text: Julia Stiles in Save the Last Dance, being styled by Kerry Washington’s character, Chenille, for a more contemporary and urban look, leaving behind her ballet attire.
The dance sequences in Save the Last Dance are undeniably captivating. Julia Stiles, with her ballet background, convincingly portrays Sara’s initial grace and then her growing prowess in hip-hop. The climactic dance audition scene, set to Athena Cage’s “All Or Nothing,” is a powerful display of her fusion of styles, showcasing her journey and growth.
Sara's final dance audition scene, demonstrating her fusion of ballet and hip-hop styles in Save the Last Dance.
Image alt text: Julia Stiles as Sara in Save the Last Dance, performing a dynamic dance routine blending ballet and hip-hop elements during her audition scene.
Beyond the dance and romance, Save the Last Dance touches upon deeper themes. It subtly addresses racial dynamics, though often through the lens of Sara’s experience. The film also explores grief and finding connection in unexpected places. Sara’s relationship with her father, while underdeveloped, adds another layer of emotional complexity.
Sara and Derek dancing together, highlighting the romantic and dance partnership in Save the Last Dance.
Image alt text: Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas in Save the Last Dance, dancing intimately and showcasing their on-screen chemistry and dance partnership.
While Save the Last Dance isn’t without its flaws – the somewhat stereotypical initial characterizations and occasional oversimplifications – its enduring appeal is undeniable. It’s a Julia Stiles dance movie that captured the zeitgeist of the early 2000s, offering a blend of romance, drama, and impressive dance choreography. Its soundtrack alone is a time capsule of the era, further cementing its place in pop culture. For fans of dance movies and Julia Stiles, Save the Last Dance remains a significant and often revisited film.
