Dance Instructor’s Role in Wicked Film Aims to Motivate Students

A dance instructor, featured in the upcoming Wicked film, has expressed her desire that her involvement will serve as an inspiration for her students. The cinematic adaptation of the musical, which is connected to The Wizard of Oz, is scheduled for its UK premiere this Friday. Lily Field, a dance instructor at WD Studios in Southend, who also appears alongside Ariana Grande in the production, stated: “One of my past students was in the film with me.” She added, “We’ve always strived to tell our students that you can do whatever you want to do.” The movie, designated as “Part One,” features Jeff Goldblum and Cynthia Erivo among its cast. It is an adaptation of the theatrical musical and recounts the origin narrative of the Wicked Witch of the West. Ms Field recounted that her initial audition was for a role as a dance double for Grande, which ultimately did not proceed. She was subsequently contacted for a potential role as Dorothy, but this also did not come to fruition. However, her third attempt proved successful. “They called me in to be part of the huge One Short Day [song] scene and it was amazing,” she commented. She further noted, “I danced closely with all of the stars.” Field mentioned that she viewed the film last week, describing it as “something special.” “I was in the salon in the Emerald City for one of my scenes and I was Elphaba’s beautician,” she explained. She added, “In another scene, I am dancing with a guy on stilts.” Ms Field stated that subsequent to filming, she received a request from the movie’s choreographer to serve as a stand-in for Grande in an upcoming advertising campaign for a prominent jewellery brand. “I really hope my experience inspires all of my students,” she reiterated. Readers can follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.