South Carolina’s Will Loftis Dazzles as Assistant Choreographer for Blockbuster Film “Wicked”

The Magic Behind the Scenes of “Wicked” in South Carolina

Columbia, SC – The holiday season has brought not just joy and cheer, but also a remarkable cinematic spectacle that has left audiences mesmerized. Universal’s much-anticipated film “Wicked,” which premiered on November 22, 2024, is stealing the spotlight and smashing box office records, making it the talk of the town! As Thanksgiving week drew in crowds eager to experience the story set before the classic “Wizard of Oz,” another cheerful story emerged from the heart of South Carolina – a tale of dreams coming true right here in Columbia!

Meet Will Loftis: The Dance Wiz From Irmo

At the core of this magical experience is Will Loftis, an Irmo native and assistant choreographer of the film. Loftis has previously dazzled audiences with his talents, and now he’s stepping into the spotlight on a grand scale. As he brings the vibrant choreography of “Wicked” to life, the legacy of his training at the local dance studio, Southern Strutt, shines brightly. Loftis, who started dancing at a young age, has always had a special flair for movement, according to his former instructor Leah Evans. “I’ve always known Will had a special gift,” she said. “His success is so deserving.”

Behind the Curtain of “Wicked”

Loftis took on the exhilarating task of teaching the film’s show-stopping choreography under the guidance of the talented Christopher Scott. He has been letting his nearly 54,000 Instagram followers in on the action, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the film featuring stars like Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jeff Goldblum. The excitement was palpable as Loftis posted videos of rehearsals, including a playful moment with Grande and comedian Bowen Yang as they rehearsed the catchy number “What is This Feeling?”

Ariana commented on Will’s post, saying, “i love you more than words can say,” and it’s clear these two make a perfect creative match. Loftis didn’t just stop at “Wicked”; he was also responsible for the choreography in Grande’s latest music video, “yes, and?”, showcasing his ability to blend the theatrical with contemporary dance.

A Rising Star

Loftis’s work doesn’t end there. He was invited to choreograph Grande’s performance at the 2024 Met Gala, the epitome of high-society exclusivity, and has lent his talents to ads for top brands like Swarovski. Reflecting on his work, he mentioned feeling it was a “love letter to jazz,” and credited dance teachers who paved the way for his incredible journey.

Returning to His Roots

While Loftis has made waves in the industry from a young age, he remains grounded and gives back to his roots in Irmo. Evans recalls how Loftis returns home to share his creative gifts with the younger dancers. “The younger dancers are just in awe,” she shared, adding that it’s all they can talk about when he visits.

Opening Night Celebration

When “Wicked” hit the big screen, excitement erupted among Loftis’s family, friends, and former teachers. About 30 supporters gathered in Columbia for the film’s opening night, and when Loftis graced the screen as a dancer, the room erupted with cheers, tears, and applause. Evans jubilantly noted, “We all cried, sang along, clapped, and screamed when we saw Will on the big screen. This is now my all-time favorite movie!”

Conclusion: Celebrating Local Talent

As the film continues to thrill audiences and rake in box office gold, Loftis’s story reminds us that local talent can indeed make it big. His journey from Irmo to Hollywood serves as an inspiration for many aspiring artists and performers. Who knows what delightful surprises the new year will bring for this rising star as he continues to chase his dreams, one step at a time!