Wicked's ‘Dancing Through Life’ Full Scene Breakdown: Choreography, VFX & More (ft. Jonathan Bailey)

[@an-qo6by]

the cinematographer is a flipping GENIUS.

[@Gee-xb7rt]

I am honestly gobsmacked by people that complain about the practicals in this film, I am not a fan of Wicked but the aesthetics deliver, cgi is a different story. This song always annoyed me, he is singing "Dancing through life" and they swing on a lamppost a little bit at best. Glad to see them actually dance, and they didn't even just do a little dance, they did this.

[@andrewshirley9240]

I can't wait for the meme video where "We used 495 lights to light this scene" at 1:00 is quoted over a clip of every scene with a window.

[@jameswheeler-69]

It's amazing

[@cazia9]

I sincerely hope she makes history and becomes the first female cinematographer to win an Oscar bc the camera movement in the whole film, and especially this scene, is just magnificent

[@Gee-xb7rt]

@@cazia9 I am kind of a cinematography geek and usually awards go by mood over technical. The two films picking up a lot of awards are Nosferatu and Nickel Boys, and Nickel Boys is a very good looking film, I don't know quite how to explain it, a lot of visuals that feel like memories.

[@abydosianchulac2]

See this, Hollywood? This is what we want. Practical sets, live people, real physical things to show off the technical wizardry and creative inspiration of your designers, the impeccable execution of your performers and technicians. CGI is great for extending the real, but you'll always get better return on investment if you keep the real at the core of your work.

[@nintendude794]

Well said.

[@DIEGOSHAY]

There's a metric ton of CGI in this movie.

[@nintendude794]

@@DIEGOSHAY , and “CGI is great for extending the real.” Much like Fincher and Nolan use it to do.

[@jellyrollnorton]

Fortunately Wicked had the budget for all this. Most movies don’t.

[@benschaeffer8102]

AWESOME comment. "Technical Wizardry" made me chuckle. Very Wickedly witty. 😂

[@VTTVpsycho]

I could watch them break down every scene in the entire movie

[@hirokidoll]

LITERALLY! !

[@katiehanson6253]

SAME!

[@leonardHughes-iq3wv]

Same here just watched this excellent film.😊

[@FeatheredWingz]

FR! Let's hope the physical blu-ray release comes with the option of a full-length commentary run-through of the film

[@Erasureeraser]

Well, we need an audio commentary of that

[@scottsummers4234]

Jonathan Bailey you are a STAR!!! The charisma was oozing in this scene. The next triple threat leading man after Hugh Jackman

[@humanadelniebla444]

high praise and well deserved

[@swyxTV]

I mean he was good but he ain’t no wolverine

[@jaqui1401]

@@swyxTV the man is a theater legend in the UK, even before Bridgerton he already won an Olivier which is the British version of a Tony. Hugh is talented, but he doesnt have Jonathan's resume when it comes to musicals

[@2828Pokemon]

I will watch anything that Johnny Bailey is in. ❤❤

[@tendrylknyte8391]

hugh’s acting skills arent for the same genre’s imo

[@jwmac92]

"How do we move a camera through this ladder wheel safely?" Jon: "LOL WE DONT, ACTION!"

[@ltdtoo5]

This feels like the DVD bonus content and I love it

[@kendraburmester4773]

Yes

[@xoxofio]

we need moreeeee

[@alyssatheexcellent]

Because most everything is streaming now- we don’t get these options anymore! I also love it!

[@geekychik86]

They turned what I considered to be the most boring song of the whole show, into a magical, fantastic feast for the eyes and ears. You'd need to see the whole scene multiple times to take in everything that happens during this one song. It's a true masterpiece and I hope they all win Oscar awards for their brilliant work.

[@Terra_Lopez]

I love this song -- Dancing through Life.

[@omegasynth]

@@Terra_Lopez The whole movie was great -- Wicked

[@peggyknecht5551]

@@Terra_Lopez I do too!

[@purplesoda793]

I love how this isn’t just an interview with the director but every other part. It shows how much of a collaborative medium film is

[@d43imoet]

They are INSANE for making this scene a reality, and nailing it brilliantly. Everyone involved deserves some sort of awards. Crazy ambitious vision that actually pays off.

[@gdsbngd2meallthetime]

I just saw it and this scene was MIND BLOWING!! the choreography was out of this world! So much talent all throughout the film.

[@leonardHughes-iq3wv]

Same here with me.definitely a four star film.

[@MsJulietG]

Just saw the movie. I could watch this scene on repeat. Forever. 💚💚💚

[@caitlinjane92]

This scene and "What is this Feeling" were my personal favorite musical numbers in this film. They got my heart pumping with excitement when I watched this in the theatre for the first time.

[@margaridabaptista3712]

This is so much more interesting than most meaningless social media interviews of just the main actors that there always are nowadays. LET THE CREW SPEAK!!! YES!

[@maryroberts589]

Everyone who speaks here deserves an Oscar! Definitely costumer & cinematographer for this movie!!

[@xoxofio]

if only they gave out awards for choreography! christopher scott was amazing

[@maryroberts589]

@@xoxofio I agree! As musicals become more Pop-u-lar, that would be an applicable category.

[@josephrestubog1010]

7:59 for the breakdown of one of the wildest practical shots ever conceived: a continuous, no vfx shot of a dancer skipping through spinning ladders, doing a leaping forward flip into a large room, leading to a large ensemble performing as if they're in mid-choreography, all while the camera is rotating, flipping around with the dancer, and pushing in. Wow!!! 😱😱😱

[@butterflydust1606]

And then jumping through Jonathan’s legs at the end!!! Absolutely wild

[@josephrestubog1010]

@@butterflydust1606 yes! Like someone said, "wait, we have to have him jump through Fiyero's dancing legs after that!", and everyone apparently just went, "... Bet."

[@butterflydust1606]

@josephrestubog1010 ikr!!

[@ReeniEspino]

The dancer's, camera op's, and cinematographer's rent was due!

[@natesnacks7829]

Yep cinematography oscar nod just for this scene alone

[@joeybeaupre7861]

I'm obsessed with the attention to detail. The fact that the highlights in his hair and the way that he flops his hands loosely at the end of the dance scene are definitely foreshadowing what happens later.

[@ThemperorZir]

The amount of times this movie had my jaw on the ground has got to be a record. I'm so grateful to everyone who worked on this film. It was stunning, and moving, and I'm just so happy it's in the world.

[@Erasureeraser]

This production team is definitely my Roman Empire. Every single blood, sweat, and tears they put to make this huge movie that's very faithful to the beloved source material to satisfy the fans that have been passionately waiting for over 20 years, give them all the flowers. Thank you to the Wicked team for crafting this movie together, you can tell everyone in this movie are so passionate about their work, it's why the movie worked so well

[@KatjaChai]

Anyone else just going on a deep dive of all the BTS of Wicked... and interviews... or just me? This movie is perfection.

[@maddie107]

Wait wait wait, so this scene wasn’t CGI-led and Fiyero’s hair has hay-blond streaks in it as foreshadowing?? 🤯😮😮 bravo! Bravissimo!

[@camgotyoutube]

Lmaoooo. Even the shirt he's wearing in this video is foreshadowing!

[@27ricky04]

And the choreography as well, especially before and during the lead up to the last chorus

[@lauralariviere9150]

Most of the film isn’t CGI. They were blessed to have real practical huge beautiful sets 😍

[@PrincessMeggala0913]

AND the blue contacts!!!!! Let’s not forget about the contacts! (Cuz Ray Boldger (original Wizard of Oz movie) had super piercing blue eyes……I LOVE that they did that….)

[@PrincessMeggala0913]

@@27ricky04for him AND Boq. Hehe😊

[@MoTuck]

The whole movie is perfect but the tornado wheel with JB singing while Dancing Life was beyond perfection. Thanks so much.

[@caroltz8220]

Ah, the costume designer from Hamilton, Paul Tazewell!! I love everyone related to Hamilton and so glad he was picked to add his magic to the masterpiece that is Wicked!

[@Sim_Pole]

love his work on Madame Morrible's outfits

[@Claramata]

if this movie doesn't get cinematography award nominations for this scene alone I will be upset.

[@Here2Hear]

thank you for not backing down from hard, never-before-done things. for every moment it seemed impossible, stressful, discouraging, i hope all the success this movie brings will make it worth it.

[@operationpojo]

the director’s “those could chop your head off!!” and then Jonathan’s “yeah yeah yeah” is the response of someone who underwent RIGOROUS safety training😂

[@anna-kay933]

The fact that they have Johnathon wearing scarecrow colors/merch during the press tour is sneaky. 😏 Very sneaky indeed...

[@LittleHobbit13]

Maybe you could not make spoiler-y comments like this for the sake of people just experiencing Wicked for the first time.

[@kallikaysilva7316]

I was JUST gonna say the same thing!!!

[@daisykeeble7880]

Maybe you shouldn’t read the comments?

[@LittleHobbit13]

@@daisykeeble7880 The video has nothing to do with the spoilers you're revealing, so why shouldn't you expect people are going to be reading the comments? You're in the wrong.

[@mtscout]

​@@LittleHobbit13 the musical is 21 years old, the book even older, at this point it's on you

[@sjdrjh]

Every single person in this video deserves to be showered with awards.

[@danielley3993]

the thoughtfulness, the intention behind every detail and sheer talent this film contains is beautiful, magnificent

[@CDCPH582]

This is probably a hot take. But Dancing Through Life is my fave part in the entire musical, even more than Defying Gravity. Simply because this is like the only "ensemble" number in the whole show and a lot of character development for many characters happen. Plus that emotional ballroom scene!

[@soulserenade.kcn1992]

Mine too!!!

[@madknac2978]

Loathing is also ensemble, and brilliant too. But the genius of this - OMG.

[@CDCPH582]

@@madknac2978 I wouldn't consider What Is This Feeling as ensemble since it's basically just a duet (between Elphie and Glinda) , but just with dancers. In an ensemble, you have to have all the major characters perform and interact as in Dancing Through Life (Fiyero, Glinda, Boq, Nessa, Elphie, Madame Morrible). But yes, What Is This Feeling is just as brilliant! That's also one of my most favorite parts!

[@xoxofio]

@@madknac2978yes these 2 songs had the best choreography. i loved it so much i could watch both on repeat forever

[@anaclarke1003]

I just saw the movie and WOW! I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much during a film. For those of us who are millennials and grew up listening to the original Broadway cast album and have seen the show and been fans since 2003??? Phew, this was such a special, phenomenon for us. Can’t wait to see it again!

[@leonardHughes-iq3wv]

Same here with me.just watched it today.

[@laurakruk4692]

@@leonardHughes-iq3wvYes, same here! I was at my movie theatre yesterday for the first showing at 11:30 AM! I WANT TO WATCH IT AGAIN, but at almost 3 hours long (including the trailers) I’m NOT so sure!

[@leonardHughes-iq3wv]

@@anaclarke1003 there's a few heavy hitting musical numbers.

[@Gyft22]

Can you imagine how many people will be bawling when they sing For Good?

[@4everbuffylover]

It was so good! It’s not often I’m completely thrilled by a movie adaptation. This was absolutely fantastic!

[@dragontears]

I was already impressed with the real sets, but when it got to this scene i was blown away. This is FILM MAKING. beautiful.

[@scazzasofija]

I don't know how many times I have watched this featurette, it's daily at this point. Wicked, release the version of this track with the dancers' stomps! It adds SO much to the song

[@mindytillapaugh3465]

It is absolutely AMAZING and REFRESHING to hear these professionals speak so passionately about their craft....it SHOWS in EVERY FRAME of this film !

[@ZoraTheberge]

The scarecrow tee on Johnny… I think I’ll miss him most of all!

[@RavenLambert-mz6gl]

I can easily say that Wicked is 2024's greatest and grandest movie. I was literally in tears while watching it. A great cinematic experience indeed

[@MsJulietG]

I hope the costume designer wins an Oscar. Everything was gorgeous, but the suir Fiyero wears to the Oz Dust is just amazing!

[@alenemarie1726]

This is truly one of the BEST scenes in the movie. I was watching it and my mouth was hanging open the whole time. I loved every second of it

[@blooey5231]

I love the way this video has been made and how each collaborator is able to share their experience. Well done, E Weekly.

[@laurenm7929]

Every. Single. Thing. about this movie was executed so perfectly. I understand why Ari and Cynthia were so emotional in those interviews, this movie is a creative and cinematic masterpiece

[@what_a_wonderful_witch]

Johnathan's shirt though... makes me hyped for his transformation for part 2🤩

[@LittleHobbit13]

Maybe you could not make spoiler-y comments like this for the sake of people just experiencing Wicked for the first time.

[@katrose5179]

@@LittleHobbit13It’s been out for 21 years and he’s wearing scarecrow shirts in multiple interviews. There’s literally corn motifs by him in this song. Maybe don’t read comments if you don’t want to be spoiled.

[@LittleHobbit13]

"It's been out for 21 years" yeah, and if you don't get out see theater productions for whatever reason, that means nothing. It's literally not a video about the spoilers you're revealing, so why *shouldn't* you expect people are going to read comments? You're in the wrong here.

[@what_a_wonderful_witch]

@katrose5179 Oh I know about his character development generally, I just really enjoyed the costumes and makeup so much in the movie! That's what I meant😅

[@madisonbaker4083]

@@LittleHobbit13in what world is this a spoiler lol it's also existed for 20+ years

[@melissak8419]

I don't think I have seen a musical made into a film I have loved so much since Chicago. The whole cast and crew did an amazing job and hope they sweep the Oscars. Its such a magical experience. So many easter eggs and nods to the original book, Wizard of Oz movie and the stage musical Also love Jonathan Bailey wearing his future character's support shirt💚💗💚💗💚💗

[@aliciabonline]

I'm so glad they are highlighting all of the important roles on the team - often the unsung heros of hair, makeup, costumes, VFX, cinematography...

[@Benandmycat]

Love this dancing through life scene so much, it really elevates the song to another level than on the stage. Incredible finding out about the work involved from all departments in creating the care free fieryo dance journey you are taken on !

[@bcbock]

This is going to win so many awards. Actress, Actor, Costumes, Hair and Makeup, Choreography, Cinematography, production design, directing, best picture.

[@anaclarke1003]

Can y’all do this commentary for the entire film please? 😭

[@TheSmileyCoyote]

It's so interesting how many of these details I picked up on watching the movie that I didn't even realize were so specifically intentional. I just saw this last night with a friend and after this number I turned to her and said "this was the best choreo so far," feeling like it was such a pivotal moment of the movie without knowing they felt that way too in designing and filming it. I made a comment about how hard it would have been to film sliding on actual books like that and the camera movements and the parkour... it's so fascinating to watch the passion and expertise really come together in this number. I don't recall this song being so memorable from the original play but it's definitely memorable now! Major kudos to everyone involved. Truly fantastic work!

[@Monica-v7z9z]

It is clear that an incredible amount of teamwork went into this scene. So much so, I have been rewatching for days. Best song in the movie IMO. Thank you!!!

[@megandettone9182]

If this doesn’t win awards I’d be very surprised. This was magic

[@Lanipooh1]

I’ve seen wicked part 1 5 times now and this number is one of my favourites. It’s so technically brilliant and just fun and delightful

[@excedrinworldwide]

The wheel sequence was unreal. The set, the choreo, the cinematography, the dancers. A literal MASTERPIECE.

[@stephanierk]

there was sooooo much that went into this one scene and it really paid off. it's one of the coolest movie scenes i've ever seen :)

[@SophiaDiOrio]

I would absolutely watch them break down every scene in the movie. Also Jonathan is perfect in this role

[@mariaincrocci9414]

This scene was one of my favourites in the whole film, Jonathan was an incredible Fiero and the detail in the choreography from him jumping on the tables to sliding around on the books and the spinning library ladders, absolutely amazing

[@Jaeger_rva]

Dancing Through Life is my fav song in Wicked & what they did with this number changed the course of my brain! They really exceeding my expectations far beyond belief!

[@paulc8205]

Jonathan Bailey, how I love thee!!😍🥰 He is an amazing actor and person!!❤️

[@sandyfarenden8185]

This scene is one of my favourites. I felt that this a Christopher Scott choreography and flair which was confirmed in this video. ❤❤❤ Jonathan Bailey you're a super star.

[@arcanesiren629]

If the movie doesn't get nominated for Best Cinematography, I'm going to throw some hands.

[@ultraviolettas]

The whole movie has a white glare

[@divaliciousshow915]

That dance sequence and scene are so phenomenal

[@daniellebelisle2446]

Jonny Bailey is the perfect Fiyero! ❤❤❤

[@jholdstock]

This scene is STUNNING! I love everything about it. Also Jonathan’s scarecrow shirt is perfect!! (If you know you know…)

[@MDev1997]

I would pay money to have them do this for like the entire movie. I can't get enough of these behind the scenes analysis videos.

[@x3STELLARx]

This scene had my jaw on the floor. It's sooo beautifully, artistic, sexy, EVERYTHING. The scene is everything!

[@Zoomville]

I heard that they actually planted millions of tulips for this movie. That’s insane. They rarely used CGI.

[@BubuNator90]

9 millions tulips

[@kthorning4459]

It raised The Netherlands’ GDP by 200%

[@Thefairyartist]

If this movie doesn’t win an Oscar for set design - I will cry. Because I honestly and stupidly thought that wheel was CGI. But they built it.

[@shouldbewritig]

This was one of my favorite scenes from the movie, I’m so glad they broke down the tornado wheel!

[@beatlemaniac2595]

Jonny Bailey was so amazing!

[@PrincessMeggala0913]

GOD THAT FREAKING LIBRARY SET. I will never shut up about how much I love it. Gah it’s so beautiful. THIS SONG ended up being my favorite part of the entire movie. Which is crazy cuz I was not expecting it to be!😂 But I’m so glad it is 😊

[@shepz03]

Just watched the movie yesterday, and this is the reason why I HAVE to watch it again! The first time was just thinking 'HOW DID THEY PULL THIS OFF"?! with this and so many other moments in the movie! And also just recovering from the shock of THAT Emerald City scene! (iykyk) 🤫🤐 This movie better sweep the Oscars!

[@angelrenie]

I hope this segment of the movie gets recognised!!! Especially now I know that it’s not CGI! OMG! It just amazes me. Johnny is amazing!!!

[@melissaf3018]

Incredible! I remember thinking omg that must be CGI in the movie cause its so cool, but to know that whole set and wheel is real and to scale is so crazy!! Loved it so much, what incredible talent.

[@firaflowers]

The authenticity and everything else is all oscar worthy! One of my favorite musical to film movies in a long time! Love this so much!

[@AA-qt1hi]

They made it look effortless! All these many facets that add up to the whole jewel of a movie REALLY make you appreciate all the work that goes into somehing you sit through only for 2and a half or so hours. Thanks everyboody for all your hardwork and input into all this!

[@maicon.93]

it was a delight to watch this on the movie theater... and this breakdown is amazing!

[@pepperminttree]

we need more videos with this! with all of the cast and crew members! also at 3:07 is that will west?? how iconic

[@HomeTownApothecaries]

JB is so marvelous, handsome in this. He & CE are why I’ll watch over&over. Saw Wicked @ least 7 times on broadway, can’t tire of the music. Up there with Les miz.

[@sregdor612]

All of those people involved need to have Oscar attached to their names. Truly this was a masterpiece!

[@cathyliu4108]

Big congrats to Pablo & our VFX Team for the countless of hours of beautiful work!! So proud of you all!

[@bobbyc912]

Amazing production of this song. Definitely one the most entertaining parts in the movie

[@Hummingbird14-ff6de]

This is one of my favorite scenes in the movie. Actually my favorite dance scene of the decade.

[@marieturk5468]

So much talent put into this perfection

[@JoshD9-4]

this was such a fantastic movie!!! every part of it was perfect! i was kind of annoyed of it being 2 parts when it was first announced but seeing how much effort and care and passion went into making the first part as accurate as they could i’m so excited for part 2!

[@rachelfrancis1990]

This is my favorite part of the movie. I LIVE for choreography like this. Thank you for breaking it down.

[@ALouise301]

The scene along is Mind-blowing! Choreography is Impressive. Who knew Johnathan was so maliable. I rewatch it. The whole Library scene is Award Winning!

[@Nizati]

Not gonna lie, when I saw this in the movie I was absolutely delighted. Truly incredible work and thank you so much for taking that leap of faith in doing so extensive for a single song.

[@janetbowersox83]

The dancing in the book room was absolutely phenomenal! It's so interesting having had acrobats and parcour people involved. Spectacular scene! I loved loved loved the whole movie! I am 69 and can't wait to go see it again!

[@conypaintt]

I NEED MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS ❤

[@andrea_1819]

I would loooove to pick Christopher Scott's brain for his creative process how he came up with how he kept bodies moving in a MOVING space safely!!! So crazy

[@phyliciaf2222]

This scene is amazing!!! the best👏And Jonathan is so talented❤

[@KiriB]

My brother is obsessed with this song. He watched the movie cause his wife and I wanted to, and he got into it! Love this song. Jonathan Bailey is perfectly cast.

[@fridayblues216]

I am always so at awe seeing all these incredibly talented people experts in their own fields working together to create something so spectacular such as this!!!

[@lexdsly]

The amount of love put into this movie should be an industry standard

[@mariabelenvargassanmartin2314]

i LOVE that we see not only the director and the actor talking about the scene, but also these other points of views from different parts of the creation of the scene with other crew members, it is super interesting.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Love learning about all the behind the scenes work that went into creating these amazing sequences.

[@kallikaysilva7316]

“The blonde streaks are a nod to his character arc” 😉🥰

[@danimaddie]

PLEASE do this with EVERY scene!!

[@ellenmcfadden8916]

I loved this sequence and after hearing about what was involved in creating it- I am even loving it more. Fantastic!!! Amazing!!! Phenomenal!!!

[@gavinjohn8690]

“Hair streak is part of his story arc” eeek!🎉

[@jeffwei]

0:13 ah yes, cinematrography

[@oceanle]

I think everyone in this video is going to win an award

[@DDSFan8]

This scene is one of my favourite scenes in the movie. It's very well done , doesn't feel gimmicky

[@angelpayne8346]

One of the best scenes in a flawless film.

[@amorespat]

Need the entire scene out now 😩😩

[@ctalcantara1700]

This scene was my favorite moment of the movie. Fantastic!