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What It's Actually Like to See Beyoncé Live

Not how I expected, that's for sure

Natalie Pendergast

May 10, 2016

Hollins University

138

What It's Actually Like to See Beyoncé Live

Sandcastles

Just like everything you could hope or dream. And somehow more.

I honestly was worried that Queen Bey wouldn’t live up to how she was in my mind: a perfect, hair flowing, big vocal range goddess. And somehow she was better? Which is odd, because it’s not easy for anyone to surpass your personal expectation of them, or for them to be better than the version that lives in your head.

But in live performance, Beyoncé becomes more human than in her brilliant music videos, or hour long visual album masterpieces. She becomes more real than her televised performances or her few interviews. And she is so beautiful. To me, her realness was more awesome than the mythical, legendary figure I had created. Because Beyoncé is (probably) human (maybe. Still not 100% sure. She could just be really good at faking it) seeing her humanity was amazing.

Another amazing thing was even though I was in a nosebleed seat and she looked centimeters tall to me, I still felt like I could see her sing all my favorite songs. I still felt connected despite the distance, even without the massive screens projecting her dancing larger than a billboard. Which is absolutely incredible. It takes so much energy and passion in order to make that many people feel connected to you.

After seeing her live, I firmly believe Beyoncé is the greatest performing artist of our generation. What makes her stand out, though, isn’t her voice or her dancing or her presence. It’s her ability to tell a narrative and give an audience her complete artistic vision. Her costumes and video and lights aren’t just chosen because they look good, they’re chosen because they help her tell the story she needs to tell. I’ve seen a lot of live music, dance, and theater performances, but never one that had such intensity, inspiration, or passion. Beyoncé has clarity in her purpose, and it shows.

So long story short: it's worth it. Even if you're like me and can only afford to sit in the way-way back, you will feel her love and will treasure every moment. I was seriously afraid I wouldn't be able to. But instead, I was #blessed by our queen.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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What It's Actually Like to See Beyoncé Live

Not how I expected, that's for sure

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No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

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