Thoughts on seeing Johnny Weir skate at Chelsea Piers and on meeting and greeting

[fuschia]

Last Thursday, I went down to NYC to see Johnny Weir skate at Chelsea Piers and I had an amazing time. He skated two programs - a new, elegantly simple and poignant piece called “Heartbroken” and the fabulously over-the-top routine he does to “Bad Romance,” complete with demi-tutu and Bowie-esque layers of sparkles and cosmetics. This is the

Comments

[trudybooth]

And I swear I'll try not to touch his tushie.

[fuschia]

Oh, sweety, you always behave yourself. Do you realize we're going to the benefit on the 2nd anniversary of when we met? May 6, 2008 was the Day I Was Brave (tm) and went to a concert by myself.

[trudybooth]

You know, I've been recently told to NOT behave myself so much...

It's our Chemiversary!

[rhiannonhero]

I also get a thrill out of seeing them in person, it's true. I have a little bit of odd disbelief that people I've admired from a distance are real. I'm not even certain how to express this - maybe because I grew up before the real Internet age, and celebrities always seemed distant enough from me to be living on another planet, I still feel like I'm somehow meeting a fictional character come to life when I get to say hello to people I've only previously seen or heard on the media.

I loved this description! I don't enjoy meeting (even in meet & greet settings) but I really relate to that feeling when seeing someone I admire (celeb or whatever) in person, like across a room, or something. Across a room being my preferred distance. Anything 6 feet or more. :)

Have a fantastic time!!

[fuschia]

Thanks very much -- and I'm so glad you did get to see him skate last week, too. I love your Tori icon, btw -- gorgeous!

[nini_darko]

I think this was a really really great description and I identify with it a lot. It's really important to me that I have a chance to say thank you, even if it's nothing more then that. Because I admire a lot of people for a lot of reasons, and it is truly important to me to at least let them know that they've had an effect on me.

Also, I really really get the thrill of seeing them in person. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's exhilerating.

I'm so looking forward to this Thursday. If nothing else, I'm really looking forward to getting dressed up and spending the evening with you guys

[fuschia]

I know that you understand it -- I really wish I could articulate it better than I have, but it just feels both important and satisfying and usually joyful to get see someone face to face, and to get to say thanks.

And I think we'll all have a blast Thursday night. I don't normally have too many reasons to get all done up. ;)

[silverhawthorn]

I've had that "disbelief" too; catching sight of someone recognizable is always astonishing. And I tend to get uber-respectful of private space, too, to the point where I will almost ignore someone I recognize.

But I wish I was more natural, because I don't really like meet & greets, and especially do not like autograph tables. It's too packaged for me, too much like poking the monkey through the bars. Of course, I've had some good conversations at autograph tables (comic book artists are friendly!), but I'm always hyperaware of the people behind me and can never relax into the chat.

I think I would actually prefer a casual encounter, the chat in the elevator, the conversation about the weather at the bus stop, etc.

I think it's interesting you've been thinking about this. I used to do conventions alot when I was younger, and always had a reluctance to stand in line. It took me a long time to figure it out, and I still struggle with it.

[fuschia]

And I tend to get uber-respectful of private space, too, to the point where I will almost ignore someone I recognize.I totally do this, too! Frank has been at some of the small Jersey-area shows I've seen over the past few years, and I am always hyper-aware that he's there...and hypervigilant about *never looking directly at him*. It gets to the point that I'm pretending that portion of the venue doesn't even exist

[silverhawthorn]

the first thought that popped into my head (with amazing clarity) when they started to walk onto the stage was "They're *real*!

Yes, me too! But it took me until my second show to have that moment. I was still thinking that at my first show, but my seats were so high, and they were so tiny and far away, it didn't sink in. But six months later, when the lights came up on Gerard on the gurney, suddenly: BOOM! That's really him.

My "out" is usually built in too, but it comes about because I am so paranoid about taking up too much of the individual's time, I actually cut things short. I'm practically rude in my anxiety to be respectful! lol

I am looking forward to the day when we can be neighbors (sort of! *grin*). I'd love to have more rambling talks with you, whether they're around (and around) a venue or not!

[fuschia]

I have not met anyone from My Chem outside of Frank, but I do get the overall impression that Frank himself would really prefer to have a more casual environment/conversation and get to interact with people. He's so sweet and friendly and genuine! <3