Washington DC, Sept. 27 -- Actor Julia Stiles has opened up about her journey on 'Dancing with the Stars', saying the reality competition is helping her rebuild confidence as a performer after years of maintaining a private life, according to People.

Stiles, 45, who is competing on the show with professional partner Ezra Sosa, told People that joining 'DWTS' marked a major personal step for her.

"Throughout my career, I've been a very private person," Stiles said. "I went to college, I knew that I wanted to have kids and raise a family, and I didn't really chase the spotlight the way I think people expected."

"So coming on the show is a really big deal to me. Like, I am a performer. I do love performing, but it's taken a bit to get me ...