Wicked
Warning: This article contains spoilers for some scenes in Wicked.Wicked’s performances and songs have made it one of the most popular movies of 2024, and Prince Fiyero’s song “Dancing Through Life” is certainly one of the best.Wicked’s box office successhas raised it to the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation of all time; the film is even able to expand on what made the musical so great.
Thecast ofWickedeffortlessly makes the characters their own, while the songs and choreography are adapted perfectly for the movie format.
While still enjoying its sensational theatrical run,Wicked’s record-breaking at-home releasewith deleted scenes and bonus features means that audiences have even more to enjoy, as the additional segments provide even more context.
Importantly,the feature called “Welcome to Shiz” explores Fiyero’s arrival and how he shakes things upfor the other students.Fiyero himself, actor Jonathan Bailey, states that he sees Shiz as “Fiyero’s playground,” with “Dancing Through Life” marking a major change for the students at Shiz University.
Wicked’s “Dancing Through Life” Shows How Much Fiyero’s Presence Changes Shiz University
The Shiz Students Are All Excited For Fiyero’s Arrival
When the students of Shiz learn that Fiyero is going to be enrolling, there is an instant change in the atmosphere.
Because Fiyero is a notable figure in Oz and the other students find him attractive and charismatic, the majority of his peers are happy to hang on to his every word.
While Ariana Grande’s Glinda hopes to get Fiyero’s attention as soon as he arrives, the most noticeable change occurs during Fiyero’s song “Dancing Through Life”.
Before this bombastic musical number, the students were quite somber, but when Fiyero begins to explain his philosophy, the others loosen up.
Elphaba cast a spell on flowers in Wicked to make everyone fall asleep during class, so how did Fiyero manage to stay awake after the spell was cast?
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
During the song,Fiyero convinces Shiz’s students that taking the easy way through life is always bestbecause it will allow them to be happy rather than worrying all the time.
This message is immediately taken to heart by Glinda, Boq (Ethan Slater), and Nessarose (Marissa Bode), who are all convinced to sneak out that evening to go dancing, but Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is unimpressed with Fiyero’s charms.
Though later in the filmWickedsets up a love triangle between Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyeroto create tension, Bailey’s character largely has a relaxing effect on Shiz.
How The Choreography For “Dancing Through Life” Stands Out In Wicked
“Dancing Through Life” Is One Of The Most Memorable Dance Sequences In The Film
While many ofWicked’s songs have undeniably great dance sequences accompanying them,“Dancing Through Life” showcasesWicked’s most impressive choreography.
Just as Fiyero’s arrival prompts students to be more carefree in their studies and personal lives, his nonchalant message has a similar impact on how they dance.
Earlier songs inWicked, such as “No One Mourns the Wicked” and “What Is This Feeling,” are marked by their constricted, sharp blocking that helps set the tone for the people of Oz and emphasizes their anger, highlighting the opposite of “Dancing Through Life”.
The students all begin to sway with the music and move far less rigidly than they had previously, creating an effect that is much less harsh than in previous songs.
What makes the choreography of “Dancing Through Life” so genius is how perfectly it mirrors the relaxationof the students through their dancing.
The students all begin to sway with the music and move far less rigidly than they had previously, creating an effect that is much less harsh than in previous songs.Wicked’s amazing sets add to this effect as the students begin to swing from bars in their rotating library and dance on top of tables.
With the amazing choreography and emotional freedom of Bailey’s character,Wickeddoes indeed make Shiz “Fiyero’s playground.”
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Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz.
As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
