Behind the Scenes of the Ozdust Ballroom Dance in Wicked
Christopher Scott, the visionary choreographer for Wicked, delves into the creative process that shaped the iconic dance sequence between Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, and Galinda, played by Ariana Grande-Butera. This pivotal moment occurs at the Ozdust Ballroom, where tensions begin to dissipate between the two characters, leading to a genuine bond being formed. The dance acts as a crucial turning point, showcasing Galinda’s decision to support Elphaba, ultimately deepening their connection.
Emotion and Authenticity in Choreography
In an interview with ScreenRant’s Rachel Foertsch, Scott discussed the emotional nuances he aimed to capture through the choreography. He emphasized the importance of realism, tailored specifically to the characters’ situations. The choreography wasn’t about portraying a lack of ability; rather, it was about showcasing Elphaba’s unique style and ensuring that Grande-Butera’s approach complemented it authentically. Scott articulated his philosophy during this creative process:
For me, it was always like, “What makes sense for this real moment?”It just has to be real. I think when you’re on camera, and you’re dealing with cinema, and you can get right in there, you just have to come from a place of reality. I had a lot of deep conversations with Cynthia, and there was always a thing where it’s like, she’s not going to be a bad dancer in this, because that’s not who she is. It’s not about being a bad dancer. It’s about her being a different dancer. So that was kind of the approach. And then from there, it was just a process of experiencing it so that we knew if we were on the right track. It wasn’t just like, “Okay, here’s a dance. Let’s hope it works.”It was like, here are some ideas. Here’s some movement. We’re going to develop them. We’re going to keep everybody else out of the process. We’re going to bring Ari in when it feels right. We’re not going to overteach her anything. If she’s really supposed to follow Elphaba, then let’s let her really follow, and let’s see if it is reality, because musicals are tough sometimes, and people always have that thing of, “I don’t understand why they start singing and dancing.”So for me, that’s my job, to make sure then that there is reality to it, so that when people watch it, whether they really believe in musicals yet, at least they get to watch it in a way that’s like, “Oh, that didn’t bump me out.”And to do that, you have to have a process.
Impact of Choreography on Wicked’s Narrative
Creating a Memorable Dance Sequence
The essence of Scott’s choreography is evident as it elevates one of the most memorable moments in Wicked. Elphaba’s distinctive dancing style captivates the audience, and Glinda’s willingness to follow her lead enhances the magical quality of the scene. By refraining from heavy-handed instruction for Grande-Butera, Scott ensured that the dance developed organically, integrating it seamlessly into the narrative.
This nuanced approach was not only an astute choice from a storytelling perspective but also a strategic one, given the cast’s exceptional talent. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, and Jonathan Bailey all possess strong backgrounds in musical theater, making it essential that their performance felt authentic. Attempting to portray them as poor dancers would have undermined the credibility of the production. Instead, emphasizing their unique styles enriches the overall experience.
The Importance of Dance in Wicked’s Success
A Key Ingredient in Storytelling
The overwhelmingly positive reviews of Wicked highlight its exceptional execution as a musical. While the cast’s vocal talents have been justly celebrated, the significance of the choreography, particularly during critical scenes such as the Ozdust Ballroom dance, cannot be overstated. An ineffective choreography would have compromised the authenticity of Elphaba and Glinda’s evolving friendship, diminishing the impact of the film. Instead, the dance serves as one of the film’s most enchanting highlights, contributing to its overall triumph in the cinematic landscape.
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