Columbia Choreographer Will Loftis Dazzles in “Wicked”

Columbia’s Own Star Shines Bright in “Wicked”

In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, a buzz is taking over the streets and the cinemas, and it’s all about the fabulous musical film “Wicked.” This beloved prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” took to the big screen on November 22, 2024, and it’s already making waves at the box office, exceeding ticket sales expectations during the busy Thanksgiving week. But what really adds extra sparkle to this already dazzling film is that a local talent is behind some of its show-stopping dance moves!

Meet Will Loftis

Hailing from Irmo, Will Loftis is the man behind the choreography magic, serving as an assistant choreographer for “Wicked” and its upcoming sequel set to debut in 2025. His journey began at the local dance studio Southern Strutt, where he first learned the ropes of dance. “I always knew he had a special gift since he was young,” shares Leah Evans, a dance instructor at Southern Strutt. “His success is so deserving!” His hard work and passion for dance have truly paid off, bringing him to the grand heights he finds himself at today.

Catching the Spotlight

Loftis has been working closely with some of the biggest names in entertainment such as Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jeff Goldblum. It looks like the film, which features these stars in leading roles, not only has a fantastic storyline but also a brilliant team of artists behind it. Through his Instagram, Loftis has shared exclusive behind-the-scenes peeks, giving his 54,000 followers a taste of the glitz and glamour that comes with being part of such an iconic production. One of the highlights was a playful moment with Grande and “Saturday Night Live” comedian Bowen Yang as they rehearsed the lively number “What is This Feeling?”

Dancing through the Ages

It’s not just “Wicked” that’s on Loftis’s impressive resume. This talented choreographer made waves as a teen, first tapping into the industry at just 19 years old while working on the rom-com “No Strings Attached” starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher. He has danced in shows like “Glee” and “So You Think You Can Dance?” and even had the opportunity to shimmy alongside Taylor Swift during a performance of “Shake it Off.”

A Local Legacy

Loftis returns to his roots whenever he can, often visiting Southern Strutt to teach classes and inspire younger dancers. Evans states that Loftis’s success is a source of inspiration for students who look up to him. “The younger dancers are just in awe,” she notes. “They think it’s the coolest thing ever!” Several of Loftis’s former teachers and friends united to watch the opening night of “Wicked” in Columbia. When Loftis finally made his big-screen debut, the crowd erupted into applause and emotion. “We all cried, sang along, clapped, and screamed when we saw Will on the big screen,” Evans shares. “This is now my all-time favorite movie!”

From Columbia to Broadway

Will Loftis’s journey is truly an inspiration. Not only has he made his mark on the global stage with “Wicked,” but he has also showcased the incredible talent that comes from Columbia. As “Wicked” continues to break records and delight audiences, Loftis proves that with passion, hard work, and a little bit of rhythm, the sky is the limit. The city of Columbia is proud to have such a talented artist representing their roots on the biggest platforms.

So the next time you’re in the theater, watching “Wicked” and enjoying those fabulous dance numbers, just remember—you’re witnessing some homegrown talent strutting their stuff on the big screen! Here’s to Will Loftis! Keep dancing your way to the stars!