Like 2014’s ‘Human,’ Johnny’s ‘Creep’ seems deeply personal, a theme for a lifetime of skating and living to his own beat, leading with his heart, without apology, and answering to no one.
It’s a strong but perhaps sometimes lonely choice, yet his fierce defiance of anyone / anything that would try to contain him, define him, or lay expectations on him is profoundly inspiring to people from all walks of life who themselves struggle to find where they fit in this world. For all the “weirdos” everywhere, this program is a supremely beautiful anthem.
The following exclusive photos and video are from Johnny’s Friday performance. Most of these are absolutely huge, so please click any photo to see all the exquisite detail. I included more near-duplicates—photos shot within milliseconds of each other—than I normally would because his expressions, grace, and the movement of the skirt throughout are all so mesmerizing...
‘Creep’ is very special to me because I love that song.
‘I don’t belong here’ is the last line. Not in a sad way—I mean, I certainly belong on the ice. I feel it, and it’s so emotional.
Honestly, I had this skirt that I wanted to wear, and it sort of begat the program. — Johnny Weir
VIDEO!
The video includes captioning of emcee Paul Wylie’s introduction, in which he again described Johnny as “two times World bronze medalist,” which is actually not the case (but fans loved it). Johnny won the 2008 Worlds bronze medal, and was the only American figure skater to medal at Worlds that year. Also: I love Ludmila Protopopova peeking out of the curtain before Johnny’s entrance.
Video link.
Alternate link.
Exclusive photos © David Keyser.
