The Rialto Theatre filled on March 30 with self-proclaimed Swifties dressed in their Taylor best, looking to “Shake-It-Off” with a night of fun at the Taylor Swift Dance Party.
Fans showed up rocking sparkles, cowboy boots, Taylor Swift merch, and thoughtful replicas of concert and music video outfits including the infamous “You Belong With Me” Junior Jewels T-Shirt and even a version of Swift’s emerald Evermore cape.
Phoenix DJ Sydney Lee Turner enchanted the crowd of partiers.
Since August, Turner has been working for The Taylor Party, the event’s organizer, touring in over a dozen states across the country to bring the experience to thousands of dedicated fans.
“I’ve been a fan of Taylor Swift for a long time,” Turner said. “That’s why I wanted to do these shows, because it still felt like it would be authentic to me to do something like this.”
Much like the “Eras Tour” itself, Turner’s three-hour set featured beloved songs from across Swift’s career, including new and old favorites.
From iconic pop hits like “Cruel Summer” and “Wildest Dreams,” to explosive anthems like “Don’t Blame me” and emotional ballads like “Champagne Problems,” the night’s soundscape had songs the entire Swiftie collective could enjoy.
Beyond the music, part of the magic of The Taylor Party is the community connection.
“People are always very excited to be there and to be in a space where they are around other people who love Taylor Swift as much as they do,” Turner said. “The fan base is extremely passionate, but mostly they’re all so kind and want to trade friendship bracelets. Everyone is always so eager to share their love and their compliments.”
According to the Rolling Stone, Swift’s “Eras Tour” is the highest grossing concert tour of all time, a testament to the love and devotion of her fans, many of whom have been supporting Swift since the beginning.
Cyn Mathieson, one of the Rialto party goers, has been a fan of Taylor Swift for 18 years and was celebrating her birthday, dancing the night away alongside her friends Jessica Booth and Sam Borboa.
Part of what makes Swift so compelling, Mathieson said, is her loyalty to her fans and her character.
“I think she’s genuinely a fantastic human being,” Booth added. “I think the things she stands for, and what she represents for a lot of women are really positive.”
And of course, there is a love and reverence for Swift’s poetic talents, and the emotions she captures.
“Her music and her songs are so relatable,” Mathieson said. “She helps me get through a lot of stuff that I face.”
“Sometimes I just like to cry, and Taylor’s lyrics can make me cry,” Turner said.
The next exciting event for Tucson Swifties is an album listening party presented by Taylor’s Version. It will be at Encore Tucson, 5851 E. Speedway, on April 19, the release date of Swift’s new album “The Tortured Poets Department.”
