Bracelets, Tears and Joy: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Is the Epitome of Girlhood
As a non-Swiftie, I knew I was in a privileged position getting a golden ticket to the Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. I mean, some of the most die-hard fans would even sell a kidney just to attend this show. As I walked into the stadium, I entered the Swiftie-sphere; feathers, sequins and cowboy hats filled the space and friendship bracelets were stacked high on every other arm I saw. I, of course, had to get some too.
I've always respected Taylor Swift for the businesswoman she is. There is no denying that she has created an incredible legacy for herself, including this boundary breaking, billion-dollar Eras Tour. However, I was never a huge fan. I knew some of her mostly older songs but I never truly connected with her as an artist or understood the power she held - that was until I saw her live.
The pop star powered through a three and a half hour live show, and took the audience on a journey through her eras of music; from Lover to Midnights. However, I think it was more than her near-perfect live vocals, bedazzled costumes, back-up dancers and the huge production value that changed my perspective on Swift - it's the community the popstar has created.
It wasn't any specific thing I can put my finger on. It was the environment. As I looked around, I watched both young girls and grown women holding hands, crying, dancing freely and even sprinkling glitter over their bright pink outfits mid-show. In almost every other situation, perhaps many would feel immensely judged for that, but there was a sense of acceptance and a feeling we were all just having fun. There was this freedom that the mostly all-female crowd felt to unashamedly be girls. It's girlhood. It's a feeling of connection. It's sisterhood. It's this understanding that we've all been through similar experiences, and that we all care about similar things.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY AND NO COMMERCIAL USE AT ANY TIME. NO USE ON PUBLICATION COVERS.) Taylor Swift talks to a young fan as she performs onstage during
I didn't think I would enjoy the show quite like I did. As time went on, I found myself lost in Swiftie world. belting Shake it Off along with the crowd as everyone just let go and were free in this judgment-free bubble. I think some of the nostalgia of the older songs hit me. Love Story and Enchanted transported me back. At that time of my life, I was a dreamer and very hopeful and optimistic about my future. As you get older, reality sets in and you go through ruts and moments that make you lose that sparkle and wonder. But Swift created a moment where for a few hours, I reconnected with that fearless younger version of myself.
There was this freedom that the mostly all-female crowd felt to unashamedly be girls. It's girlhood. It's a feeling of connection.
The epitome of this came when I rushed to the bathroom mid-show for a toilet break. As I was queuing up, a little girl was waiting outside the cubicle for her mum and was smiling over at me. I asked her if she wanted one of my friendship bracelets and her eyes lit up. As I placed it on her wrist, she thanked me. I went into the cubicle and her mum came out and I overheard her gleefully telling her about the bracelet she was given. As I exited the stall, her mother thanked me and told me it made her evening. Of course, I started to well up a bit.
Perhaps over the years, I've been a bit harsh on the pop star. She's an artist who makes people feel good and has created a world where people feel like they can be themselves and shake off all of life's problems. She makes it okay to dream about finding your Prince Charming, wear pink frilly skirts at whatever age, and dance as wildly as you like, as long as it makes you happy. It certainly made me happy and I reconnected with that younger version of myself that usually takes a bit of patience to thaw out.
If I could bottle up that feeling I had or the excitement that was in that little girl's eyes and sprinkle it into my everyday life, perhaps I would be much happier. Why shouldn't I bring back that young, optimistic, dreamer who didn't really care too much about what people thought about her back? It's easy to lose that sparkle or allow life's bumps to knock down your confidence but maybe Swift's music is a reminder that no matter how old you get, to never lose that essence.
Aaliyah Harry (she/her) is the associate editor at PS UK. She writes extensively across lifestyle, culture and beauty. Aaliyah also has a deep passion for telling stories and giving voice to the voiceless. Previously, she has contributed to Refinery29, Grazia UK and The Voice Newspaper.