Wicked Success: Midlands Native Takes Center Stage in New Musical Film
Columbia, SC – An exciting buzz filled the air this Thanksgiving season, especially for fans of musical theater! Universal Pictures’ highly anticipated adaptation of Wicked, which premiered on November 22, is breaking box office records and capturing the hearts of audiences everywhere. But did you know that behind the scenes, a Midlands native is playing a vital role in bringing this magical tale to life? Meet Will Loftis, the talented assistant choreographer who is shining brightly in the spotlight.
A Star is Born in Irmo
Growing up in Irmo, Loftis was always known for his incredible dancing skills. He honed his craft at Southern Strutt, a local dance studio that has produced several successful dancers over the years. Loftis’s former instructor and longtime friend, Leah Evans, remembers him fondly, saying, “I always knew he had a special gift since he was young. His success is so deserving!” With an impressive resume already behind him, Loftis was entrusted with the crucial task of teaching the choreography for Wicked, working alongside renowned choreographer Christopher Scott.
Behind The Curtain of Magic
Loftis has been very active on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses from the set with his 54,000 Instagram followers. One of his posts on the day of the film’s release included a sweet moment of him rehearsing with megastars like Ariana Grande and comedian Bowen Yang. Grande herself appreciated Loftis’s contribution, commenting, “i love you more than words can say,” on one of his posts. This collaboration didn’t stop just with the movie—he also partnered with Grande for the choreography of her music video “yes, and?” from her latest album, Eternal Sunshine.
Choreographing a Dream
Reflecting on the work, Loftis described the video as a “love letter to jazz” and all the dance teachers who have influenced him throughout his life. It’s incredible to see how his journey has come full circle, as he has gone from dancing as a young boy to choreographing for A-list stars.
More Than Just Dance
This isn’t Loftis’s first brush with the stars. At just 19 years old, he worked on the romantic comedy No Strings Attached and has credits that include Glee and So You Think You Can Dance?. He even shared the stage with icons like Taylor Swift during a performance of “Shake it Off.” Loftis is making waves, and his success story is still unfolding.
Home is Where the Heart Is
Despite his rising fame, Loftis remains connected to his roots. He frequently returns to Southern Strutt to teach classes and share his knowledge with young dancers, who look up to him with awe and admiration. Evans highlights this connection, saying, “The younger dancers are just in awe, and think it’s the coolest thing ever.” In fact, about 30 of Loftis’s former teachers and students gathered together to watch Wicked on its opening night in Columbia. “We all cried, sang along, clapped, and screamed when we saw Will on the big screen,” Evans joyfully recalled. “This is now my all-time favorite movie!”
What Lies Ahead
As Wicked continues to soar at the box office and win hearts, Loftis is eager to delve into the upcoming second part of the film, set to premiere in 2025. His journey is a remarkable testament to hard work, passion, and the magic of chasing dreams. Who knows what other surprises are in store as this talented dancer-choreographer takes on the world?
