Taylor Swift turns on the razzmatazz

Taylor Swift fans took to Auckland streets in mobs of homemade costumes and signs, on their way to the first New Zealand concert of the Speak Now world tour in Vector Arena last weekend.

Swift fans copied their idol by drawing the number 13 on their right hand and writing a quote down their left arm, a ritual done by the singer before every concert. This time she sported the quote “keep your feet ready, heartbeat steady, keep your eyes open” from her new song Open Eyes.

As the show got under way it was obvious that it was more of a Broadway musical than a concert, but it was still extremely enjoyable.

Taylor began the show with Sparks Fly and later performed most of the songs from the Speak Now album. She also performed popular songs from earlier albums including, Our Song, Fearless, You Belong with Me, Fifteen and Love Story.

One of the most memorable moments was her performance of Back to December, when snow-like confetti covered the stage as she rose through a trap door with a white grand piano.

A downfall was her “surprised look”, which made her at times seem disingenuous. She would look at the screaming audience as though amazed by the love she was receiving, but when done repeatedly it felt insincere.

The performances by her, the band and dancers were amazing. She played a variety of instruments, sang beautifully, and had incredibly quick wardrobe changes, along with breathtaking acrobats doing circus-like stunts.

She even took the time to sing to the back of the arena on a spinning tree platform, where the audience was furthest away, and when making her way there gave hugs and held the hands of hysterical weeping fans.

Taylor Swift’s final performance of Love Story left her audience wowed and enchanted as she flew over the arena on a fairytale-like balcony.

This was no typical concert: it wasn’t about the music itself, but about the experience and atmosphere that derives from the extravagant performances by Taylor Swift.