Jenna Ortega has captivated audiences worldwide with her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the hit Netflix series “Wednesday.” Beyond her acting prowess, it turns out Ortega’s talents extend to choreography. The now-iconic dance scene in episode four, “Woe What a Night,” wasn’t just performed by Ortega; it was conceived and choreographed by the actress herself. This revelation has further cemented the scene’s place in pop culture history, highlighting Jenna Ortega’s dance as a unique and unforgettable moment.
In the episode, Wednesday reluctantly attends the Rave’N dance at Nevermore Academy with Tyler Galpin. As The Cramps’ “Goo Goo Muck” sets the atmosphere, Wednesday takes to the dance floor, unleashing a series of quirky and captivating moves. The scene quickly became a viral sensation, praised for its originality and perfect embodiment of Wednesday Addams’ unconventional personality.
Jenna Ortega Wednesday Dance
Behind-the-scenes footage reveals Ortega’s initial insecurity about the dance. “I actually felt really insecure about this,” she admitted while watching the scene with fellow cast members. “I choreographed that myself and I think it’s very obvious that I’m not a dancer or choreographer.” Despite her reservations, the final result is a testament to Ortega’s creativity and willingness to push her boundaries, proving she’s more than just an actress; she’s a true artist capable of bringing unique visions to life, even in dance.
In an interview with Vulture, Ortega shared more about the impromptu nature of the choreography. She pieced together the moves just days before filming, marking her first foray into choreography. This spontaneous approach adds to the scene’s raw and authentic feel, making Jenna Ortega’s dance even more impressive.
The cast of Wednesday reacts to *that* dance scene — which @jennaortega choreographed herself! pic.twitter.com/ljos7uWMj8
— Netflix (@netflix) November 25, 2022
Ortega herself cited a diverse range of inspirations for her distinctive moves in a tweet. She mentioned Siouxsie Sioux, Bob Fosse’s “Rich Man’s Frug,” Lisa Loring’s Wednesday Addams, Lene Lovich, Denis Lavant, and archival footage of 1980s goth club dancers. These eclectic influences combined to create the unique and memorable “Jenna Ortega Dance” style seen in Wednesday.
Jenna Ortega Dance Inspiration – Archival Footage
Fans were quick to recognize and appreciate the subtle homages within the choreography. One eagle-eyed viewer pointed out a move reminiscent of John Astin’s Gomez Addams from the 1960s “Addams Family” series. Another noted the clear nod to Lisa Loring, who originally portrayed Wednesday Addams, further connecting Ortega’s performance to the rich history of the Addams Family.
Apparently someone in the thread posted how she threw in a move from old Wednesday toohttps://t.co/l9nQ3t3i1R
— NoMadLasS (@NoMadLasS) November 26, 2022
Jenna Ortega’s dance in Wednesday is more than just a viral moment; it’s a showcase of her multifaceted talent and creative input into the character. By taking ownership of the choreography, Ortega not only delivered a memorable scene but also deepened her portrayal of Wednesday Addams, making the character and the dance even more iconic.
