Wicked’s Ozdust Ballroom Dance Foreshadows Elphaba’s Self-Actualization
Even though Wicked loosely adapts the Gregory Maguire novel, many allegorical themes remain the same. A fascist government oppresses marginalized identities; the general public ask no questions about said villainization; and individuals, by and large, can’t be simplified into the easily digestible "good versus evil" binary. Wicked the musical, in particular, highlights the intersection between the power of female friendships and their thorny complexity — the latter often originating when the powers that be force would-be allies into competitive situations.
Galinda Shows Real Compassion During the Ozdust Ballroom
For Galinda, deciding to confront and unpack her discomfort, guilt, and culpability for Elphaba’s group bullying marks a vital transformation. The "Popular" number shows that Galinda is aware of the ways society expects her to comply with its norms, specifically its most palatable idea of "goodness." Likewise, Galinda’s determined to be perceived that way: i.e., affluent, beautiful, entitled, and preternaturally gifted. But trying to simultaneously play by the system’s rules and exploit them to her advantage means Galinda either ignores the marginalized or opts into political awareness only when it’s superficially convenient.
Elphaba and Glinda’s Dance Is the Heart of ‘Wicked’
Unfortunately, when push comes to shove, Elphaba’s resolutions endure, whereas Galinda again chooses obedience over risking her safety in pursuit of the morally correct choice. But before then, their soulmate friendship is as true as breathing. Cementing their bond via dance isn’t just plot mechanics to push us toward the tragic endgame — it’s Wicked laying its thematic heart bare, and the scene’s intimate focus facilitates Erivo and Grande as that heart’s custodians.
Conclusion
The Ozdust Ballroom scene in Wicked is a pivotal moment in the story, showcasing the complexities of female friendships and the power of self-acceptance. Elphaba’s journey towards self-actualization is marked by her willingness to defy societal norms and claim her true identity, while Galinda’s transformation is marked by her growth towards empathy and accountability. The dance between the two women is a testament to the beauty and strength of their bond, and serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing our true selves.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the Ozdust Ballroom scene in Wicked?
A: The Ozdust Ballroom scene is a pivotal moment in the story, showcasing the complexities of female friendships and the power of self-acceptance.
Q: How does Elphaba’s journey towards self-actualization relate to the theme of the movie?
A: Elphaba’s journey towards self-actualization is marked by her willingness to defy societal norms and claim her true identity, which is a central theme of the movie.
Q: What is Galinda’s transformation in the movie?
A: Galinda’s transformation is marked by her growth towards empathy and accountability, as she learns to confront and unpack her discomfort, guilt, and culpability for Elphaba’s group bullying.
Q: What is the significance of the dance between Elphaba and Galinda?
A: The dance between Elphaba and Galinda is a testament to the beauty and strength of their bond, and serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing our true selves.