Thursday, December 29, 2011

Safety First.

Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Johnny acknowledges the audience 
at the end of the Holiday Dreams on Ice opening number, 
which featured LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It“--
one of the songs to which he skated 
at Improv-Ice on December 15. 
Also while wearing this costume. 
About which he said: “My pants are obscene.”
Exclusive photo © David Ingogly.
More exclusive pics below!



Look, let’s just get this out of the way right now so we can move on to the rest of our Holiday Dreams on Ice coverage without that tantalizing siren-song of a question lurking just beyond everyone’s peripheral vision, softly giggling at us as it flits by like something out of American Horror Story, a shadow gliding past a doorway and disappearing just as you turn your head, then re-materializing out of a slightly sparkly mist right next to you, caressing your ear—before vanishing yet again—with its breathy whisper:

“OMG did he wear the Safety pants?”

Yes. Yes, he did.

About which, as we’ve discussed previously here, there is nothing safe at all. For which we are most grateful.

We call them this because he first unveiled this costume when he skated to Dima Bilan’s live performance of “Safety“ in Fukui, Japan, in September 2010. From which we have absolutely no visuals to speak of save for the official Dima video (which is pretty much all Dima and hardly any Johnny); one screencap; a brief YouTube clip from a Japanese newscast; and, from that newscast, this tiny treasured gif:

Johnny Weir @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.

He debuted the pants for American audiences in October 2010 in LA at “All That Skate,” and then wore the entire costume a few weeks ago at Improv-Ice when he skated to LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It.”

And he must have enjoyed improv-ing to that ridiculous song (which is one of those you can’t get out of your head even as you’re trying to hate it while you’re humming it absently and then suddenly you’ve downloaded it and it’s on repeat on your iPod and your kids are all, “Mom. MOM. MOM!”), because the next thing you know, the song—and the costume—became a large part of the Holiday Dreams on Ice opening number featuring all the headliners of the show.

And so here you go: A detailed look at the Safety pants. 

If a costume designer were going to create something specifically to illustrate the phrase, “Sexy and I Know It,” as articulated by Johnny Weir, the final result might look exactly like.... yeah. This.

As always, please click photos twice for glorious full-size view. All photos © David Ingogly.



Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Opening number: 
After the other headliners are introduced,
he bursts onto the ice 
and is suddenly right in front of us!


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
No time to adjust the camera 
for a full-length shot...


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
...but wait for it... wait for it...


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Ah. There we go.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
The cast grabs shades 
(provided by sponsor Eyefly, I believe), 
and heads back down the ice. 
Here with Johnny are Ivan Dimitrov, left, 
and Evgeni Krasnopolsky.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Left to right: Armin Mahbanoozadeh
Ivan’s pairs partner, Alexa Scimeca
Ivan; Johnny; Evgeni; and Evgeni’s pairs partner, 
Danielle Montalbano.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Another shot of the 
appreciative audience.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Yes! They did it! Hours of repetitions, 
and the live performance is fantastic!
(See it here!) Also in this shot, from left, 
are Brandon MrozTamar Katz
and Ashley Wagner.
All the headliners were amazing!


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Aaaaaand: Yes, the same photo 
from the beginning of the blog, 
only... the uncropped version.
Exclusive photo © David Ingogly.



And Now for Something
Completely Different.

Thursday, 12/22/11.
8:29 p.m.
Rehearsal with the pro skaters, 
the Future Stars who were cast as elves in the show, 
and the Pied Piper of Skating.



I don’t think Johnny realized this adorable little elf was following him on the ice, but I just love this quick series of photos from that night’s rehearsals, and how she glances around to see if her friends are noticing how close she is to him. 

(And I can’t even tell you how many happy little voices I heard throughout the two days squealing: “Mom! I met Johnny today!” “We took photos with Johnny today!” “Johnny said hi to me today!”)

Exclusive photos © David Ingogly.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Moments later, 
Johnny flashes a dazzling smile at his photographer 
as he heads back to center ice 
for yet another repetition 
of the closing number.



Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Bonus pics!! A few highlights from the VIP party--
many more to come! Here Tara poses with 
the amazing Michelle Poley Marvin
who created the Future Stars’ choreography 
and actually got them to learn it. 
She was so wonderful with them!


Photo © Official Johnny Weir Blog.
A gift of very special chocolates
 from Yumicoone of Johnny’s wonderful
 Japanese fans who traveled so far to be at the show! 
At the party, she gave this set to Vitya,
and the mini-set above to “Binky-san.” 
(I have never felt so honored by a name!) 
Thank you, Yumico! I love them!


Photo © Official Johnny Weir Blog.
A Johnny calendar from dear Junko
Yes, we love Johnny forever--
thank you so much!!


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Johnny and Vitya with a beautiful bouquet, 
and the beautiful Japanese fans
who gave it to them.


Johnny Weir. Photo © David Ingogly @ Official Johnny Weir Blog.
Vitya and Johnny 
and those gorgeous flowers.
(Please be sure to click twice
 for full-size view.)



Exclusive photos © David Ingogly.



New Q and A! Go read it now
I particularly like his answer to this one.




Johnny’s Glitter and Ice collection 
with MAC is selling out fast! 
Don’t miss your chance to sparkle--
visit a MAC retailer or order online ASAP! 



Yes! Johnny’s dresses are now available
for purchase only on eDressMe.com!



At last: Pop Star On Ice is now available on DVD!
Order yours today from the Pop Star On Ice website!



Johnny tweeted:
“Buy my single,’Dirty Love’ via iTunes.
Tell all your friends to as well. The more copies sold
takes me one step closer to making a video! №1!”
THE WORLD NEEDS THIS VIDEO
IN THE SAME WAY THAT IT NEEDS AIR.
You know what to do.
Please buy the song from Johnny’s website,
or just click the “Buy” button on the player
at the top of the blog!



Hey, Welcome to My World also is available
as an eBook! More info on Johnny’s website!



Bonus video via The Advocate, from their post titled:
“Possibly the Most Beautiful Ad for Marriage Equality We’ve Seen.” 
The video was produced by an equality group in Australia, 
where nearly two-thirds of voters favor legalizing
gay marriage, according to The Advocate
but prime minister Julia Gillard remains firmly opposed. 
I agree with The Advocate
This is one of the most eloquent illustrations I’ve seen 
of this simple concept: Love is love.


copyright 2011 / Binky and the Misfit Mimes / Lynn V. Ingogly / all rights reserved

7 comments:

PumaJ said...

Those pants are great. Love that they allow us to see Johnny's beautiful athletic musculature so clearly. So much like the view one gets of dancers' fabulous physiques.

That song, "I'm Sexy & I Know It" is a very funny spoof about the silliness of some performers & celebrities.

Thank you, David for the wonderful pics, & thank you, Binx for posting them in your blog:-)

aaaack said...

Binky, thank you for this veritable chocolates box chock full of visuals.

Johnny and Vitya look so adorable and so happy together (here's hoping that vitya is a neatness freak, too; otherwise...scenes from the "Odd Couple" and "Husbands").

Those pants....time to whip out a fan and crank it.

Ali said...

My first thought on that first pic was 'I wish it showed a bit more'. Wishes do come true. ;) Thanks.

juncolove said...

I love the stories about the Safety pants! So unsafe and good! and I like ur description about that ridiculous song XD Thank you for the photos!
And I "Awww...♥" at all the cute lillte future stars' squealing! Must be very lovely. Japanese fans are really amazing! So generous and loving. The last photo is just happiness ♥♥ Thank you for this post!

Maggie St. said...

Thank you Johnny for wearing tight pants and for having the assets that allow you to look so fine in them.

You skate good too. :)

Atomic Wife said...

I as at All That Skate and I had no idea it was famous for the debut of his "Safety" pants. How did I miss that?

I love these pics!! And how amazing for Vitya to be thrown into the world of Johnny fandom! It's like Wills & Kate!! I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:-)

WheresMyKoppy said...

The Japanese fans are so generous that if cameras and video had been allowed at that show in Japan we would have piles of photos and video of Johnny in those pants from that event...

But we do have video and photos from ATSLA and the wonderful photos from this event!

Great job MM!