Exciting Times in Irmo as Local Star Shines in “Wicked”

Exciting Times in Irmo as Local Star Shines in “Wicked”

Good morning, Irmo! If you’ve been soaking up the sunshine (with highs around 54°F and light winds), it’s the perfect backdrop to celebrate a hometown hero who’s taking the entertainment world by storm. Will Loftis, a proud son of this lovely town, has found his place behind the curtain of the blockbuster film adaptation of “Wicked”.

A Star is Born

Many of you might recall Loftis from his dancing days at the well-loved local studio, Southern Strutt. Fast forward to now, and he’s not just dancing; he’s co-choreographing some of the show-stopping numbers for the film that premiered on November 22, 2024. Talk about turning dreams into reality!

Loftis, who dived into dance at a young age, has quickly made a name for himself in the world of choreography. His former dance instructor, Leah Evans, couldn’t be prouder. “I always knew he had a special gift since he was young,” she exclaimed. “His success is so deserving.” Evans, who has known Loftis for years, said it brings her immense joy to see him shine on such a big stage.

Behind the Magic of “Wicked”

In his role, Loftis collaborated closely with Christopher Scott, the film’s main choreographer. Teaching the dazzling choreography for some of the musical’s biggest numbers, Loftis shared incredible behind-the-scenes slices of his journey with his 54,000 Instagram followers. His posts included snaps of him rehearsing the fun number “What is This Feeling?” with none other than Ariana Grande and Bowen Yang.

Ariana showed her appreciation by commenting on Loftis’s post, saying, “i love you more than words can say.” How sweet is that?!

On To New Ventures

But that’s not all! Loftis has also been in the spotlight for choreographing the music video for Grande’s new single “yes, and?” from her album “Eternal Sunshine”. Loftis drew inspiration from legendary choreographers like Bob Fosse and the iconic music videos of Madonna, creating a routine that was a heartfelt tribute to his mentors and the jazz dance style he loves.

For those of you who love high fashion, Loftis took center stage at the 2024 Met Gala where he choreographed a stellar performance for Grande. And don’t miss out on his work with the stunning Swarovski crystals in the ad campaign titled “Party of Dreams.”

A Journey of Passion and Hard Work

Loftis is not just a dance genius; his journey tells a story of hard work and perseverance. His impressive resume started when he was just 19, working on films like “No Strings Attached”. He hasn’t just danced behind the scenes; he’s graced the screen as a backup dancer in Taylor Swift’s performance of “Shake it Off.” Loftis has appeared on popular shows like “Glee” and “So You Think You Can Dance?”

The local dance studio that raised him continues to thrive as Evans teaches jazz classes, and Loftis frequently returns home to inspire the next generation. “The younger dancers are just in awe,” Evans shared. And it’s no wonder—with Loftis’s incredible talent, who wouldn’t be impressed?

Celebrating Together

If you were lucky enough to be there on opening night, you may have spotted many proud faces from the Irmo community at the premiere. Evans was thrilled to see about 30 of Loftis’s former teachers and friends all together, cheering him on. When Loftis appeared on the big screen as a dancer, the experience was simply unforgettable: “We all cried, sang along, clapped and screamed when we saw Will,” she said. “This is now my all-time favorite movie!”

What’s Next for Loftis?

As we look forward, we can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented young man. With part two of “Wicked” already on the horizon for a 2025 premiere, there are surely more enchanting moments ahead for Loftis. Who knows what other exciting projects he will tackle next? One thing’s for sure: Irmo is proud of you, Will Loftis!

So, here’s to sunny days, brilliant dreams, and a bright future for our hometown star!