The Best of Binky's Johnny Weir Blog: Happy 7th Blogoversary! Here, Have Some Sunny Johnny & a Bonus Random Puppy

Beautiful Johnny at rehearsal in Sun Valley, Idaho. Exclusive photo © David Keyser.

Today we celebrate our annual milestone in my utter inability to at least partially recover some semblance of interest in something other than Johnny, as the enduring and much-loved blog tagline says. And we’re doing so with a huge and brightly colored splash of exclusive photos and video that showcases not only Johnny’s extraordinary gift on the ice, but also his incredibly infectious sense of fun.

This series, shot at Sun Valley rehearsal last summer, wonderfully conveys one of the most striking things about Johnny as a person: though at heart he is a self-described introvert, he is hilariously engaging to be around. The minute he glides onto the ice, there’s no doubt about it: The Fun Has Arrived.

Please enjoy this peek at Johnny in a very good mood: cracking everyone up; taking time to chat with fans; playing tricks on the venerable elder statesman of skating, the fantastic Richard Dwyer; and even so, still getting in some serious rehearsal work. This gorgeous series makes me smile every time I scroll through it. The accompanying videos are the perfect go-to anytime you need to be reminded that there is still an abundance of beauty and kindness and joy and love in this world. It’s a reminder I’ve needed more and more in recent months.

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by to read here for the past seven years, to all who have sidled up to me at random times / places / events to gasp with kindred-spirit delight, “Are you BINKY?! Ahhhhhh I feel like you totally get me!”, and to every person who has ever contacted me to say, “OMG I LOVE YOUR BLOG.” You have all made the last seven years infinitely worthwhile.

And as always, thank you especially to dear Johnny, who skated across my computer screen a little more than seven years ago and changed everything. My life is forever a more beautiful place because you are in it. ❤️

All of the pics below are pleasingly huuuuuge. Please click any photo to open it in a separate window and admire it in all its full-size glory.

Johnny with Sun Valley on Ice choreographer Stephanee Grosscup, who is attempting to very seriously explain the steps involved in the show’s final group number to Johnny, who is not a big fan of group numbers or seriousness.

And the group rehearsal is in full swing. Stephanee directs Richard Dwyer, Angela Wang, Johnny, and Jason Graetz . . .

. . . but Johnny skates to the beat of his own drummer . . .

Aaaand let’s try that again . . .

. . . wait what?. . .

. . . oh, ending pose! Yay!

And: curtain call! Yep, we got this.

Time for selfies with Craig Heath.

Recording interviews for Sun Valley Lodge and other media, including this fab piece with my dear friend Wanda Gelsebach!

Stopping by to say hello to Wanda and me . . .

. . . during which hilarity ensues.

And now, down to business on the ice.

Graciously pausing to greet fans gathered at rinkside.

We are all Anita Hartshorn.

Back to work.

Cracking jokes with John Coughlin, Angela, and Ryan Bradley.

VIDEO!

The final group number was set to Andy Grammer’s ‘Good to Be Alive,’ which also turned out to be the perfect choice for this Johnny rehearsal montage. Please especially enjoy the interaction with Richard Dwyer beginning at about 2:46, in which Johnny inserts himself — much to Richard’s surprise — into Richard’s special program, skated with four ladies who represent the four seasons.