take that, oil painting audiences! ;)

[shubes61]

found this article through google this morning... read it at first with
some trepidation, but it basically says what a lot of us have been
thinking for some time... YAY!! :D

http://www.ecnnews.com/cgi-bin/05/snstory.pl?-sec-Lifestyle+fn-mann0921-20050921-+page_0

What is proper behavior at a concert?
By Everyday Etiquette
Judy Bowman

Q: Because this concert and Elton John were so fantastic, virtually
everyone at the Garden gave Elton John a standing ovation after each
song. In addition, many people remained standing, swaying, singing,
dancing, etc., for the duration of a song. My date asked me repeatedly
to sit down and, in fact, another person asked the women in front of us
if they had their tickets. When they asked why, he abruptly said he
wanted to remind them that they paid for their "seats" and should "sit
down." I am confused. What is appropriate at a concert in terms of
sitting and standing, particularly if most others are standing and
enjoying the concert?

A: Boston is notably a conservative audience and any performer
receiving a standing ovation at the end of a performance is rare, let
alone after each song! I understand it was a fabulous concert -
emphasis on concert. This is not the opera or the ballet, but a fun,
festive, lively concert.

Of course, it is courteous to be considerate of others during any
performance. Clearly, if everyone else in your area is standing, there
is no issue, however, if some are standing and some are not, therein
lies the problem. Certainly, it is inconsiderate to block another's
view during a performance, but if you are enjoying the performance, you
should feel free to dance or stand as both a tribute to the performer
and as a show of a successful performance. Remember, pre-game/concert
cocktails and festivities may contribute to why individuals may not be
as considerate as perhaps they normally would be. If standing, swaying,
dancing and singing are your way of enjoying the concert, so be it.
Once again, this is not a play, this is a concert.

Regarding standing ovations: If you want to stand and no one else is,
you should have the confidence to stand solo, and feel free to
acknowledge your pleasure and enthusiasm for the performance; the
performer/s will certainly appreciate this.

And remember, the beauty in knowing the rules is knowing when it is
okay to break them; this is the time and the place to relax "the rules"
and enjoy yourself.

nnn

Judy Bowman is the president of Protocol Consultants International,
providing etiquette training to corporate executives. Etiquette
questions may be submitted to Everyday Etiquette, c/o Essex County
Newspapers, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915.

[fodorothy]

I went to the Boston show and I was on my feet dancing for most of the
show and I plan on doing the same thing in Nashville & LasVegas. I had
two Paris Hiltons tell me that everyone should have as much fun as I
was and I had another lady that wasn't happy about the standing up
thing at all. This is my opinion on the whole thing, GET THE BLEACHER
SEATS IF YOU WANT TO SIT DOWN!
wow, that felt good.
JQ

[IslandGirl]

I tell them to rent the DVD....the would be MUCH happier :p
Glad you had fun!!
Sharon

[So Sad The Renegade]

I like dancing to the concert videos as well.
I'm so ashamed.
This article reminded me of the drunk we had at Elton's (ONLY !) Winnipeg
concert.
He was 4th row (right behind me) and I'm sure Elton must have heard his ....
err ... unsupportive enthusiasm.
It's okay to enjoy the show but it's not okay to make sure everyone around
you needs to hear when you don't.

Arthur
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