As we enter the holiday season, Saturday Night Live’s Dec. 9 Weekend Update suggests it’s time to brainstorm “intimate gift ideas for that special someone.” Fortunately, Chloe Fineman has a unique suggestion for the “sexiest gift” and decides to give viewers a demonstration, enlisting the help of ’90s teen sensation Julia Stiles.
The offbeat segment begins with Weekend Update hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che inviting Fineman to share her ideas. Contrary to Jost’s expectation that she would join them at the desk, Fineman positions herself in front of it, ready to put on a show — and that’s exactly what she does.
According to Fineman, the “perfect holiday gift this year is the dance that Julia Stiles does at the end of the 2001 movie Save the Last Dance.” Ignoring Jost’s reservations, she unveils her outfit inspired by the movie’s finale and begins an exaggerated rendition of the dance.
As Fineman enthusiastically explains during her performance, the 2001 teen drama follows Sara Johnson (played by Stiles), a promising young ballerina who turns to hip-hop after relocating to the South Side of Chicago following her mother’s death. However, Fineman describes the film’s “street ballet” as somewhat questionable. Despite her spirited depiction, the audience’s biggest cheer comes when Stiles makes a surprise appearance.
Stiles joins Fineman on the dance floor, donning an outfit identical to the one she wore in her fictional Juilliard audition. Together, they recreate some of Stiles’ choreography from over 22 years ago, delighting nostalgic fans. Viewers on social media praise the segment as “comedy gold” and express their love for the Save the Last Dance tribute.
Many applaud Stiles for being “in on the Save the Last Dance joke,” and the playful spoof prompts some to revisit the movie. Stiles’ SNL cameo isn’t her only nostalgic appearance lately. Earlier in the week, she attended the Mash-Up Americans Book Festival in New York City, where she reenacted a touching scene from 10 Things I Hate About You, reading a poem about her love interest, Patrick (played by Heath Ledger).
Between her reading and her SNL dance scene, Stiles is providing a generous serving of ’90s teen movie nostalgia for fans.