Leaving Rancho Penasquitos at 7:30 PM, it was a long-awaited moment. I was counting the day. It's been a while since I bought a ticket. Shakira for me is an icon of humanity, a divine success, an empathy, a sport, human civilization and a unity in the polarized world. It's more than dance and songs!
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| Fans lining up for a concert. |
The air, still carrying the faint chill of a receding night, hummed with anticipation as the clock nudged 7:30 PM. Leaving the familiar, tree-lined streets of Rancho Peñasquitos, it wasn't just another Friday evening to commute south. This was a moment long awaited, a threshold we were finally crossing, promising an adventure that stretched beyond the horizon and into the wild embrace of the unknown of euphoria.
Attending so many games and events in Snapdragon stadium, I knew about the traffic of San Diego, driving south in 163 and taking the exit of east friars road. Never ever use the 15, if you are going to the Snapdragon for events. I've been to Snapdragon Stadium a lot, I know the San Diego traffic pretty well, You should definitely avoid I-15 when going to events at Snapdragon Stadium.
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| Getting Ready |
Wow. Just, wow. My ears are still ringing (in the best way possible!) and I'm still buzzing from the incredible Shakira concert last night at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. What a show!
Shakira truly brought her A-game for the "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" World Tour. The energy in the stadium was absolutely electric from the moment she stepped on stage. I mean, from the first beat, everyone was on their feet, singing along to every word and dancing. The beautiful steps of the Latin dance and song reverberate not only with Latin fans but equally with me although I don’t understand the Beauty of Spanish languages.
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| Architecture of Stage |
The stage production was phenomenal in three contexts - the voice of Shakira, the dance and the stage environments. The environment and stage are the juxtaposition of light, sounds, 3D animation and display. I certainly believe that AI has been used, her voice was just as powerful and captivating live as it is on her albums. And those hips? They definitely don't lie! It was amazing to see her iconic moves in person. I learned how to shake the hips!
We were in Section A1, Row 27, Seat 24 (and Row 28, Seat 24), and the view was fantastic. When she started in the beginning, Shakira was merely 10 ft away from me. Being able to experience that kind of proximity with thousands of other fans was truly something special.
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| More than 40,000 ruled the SD |
Even though it was a Thursday night, June 26th, to be exact, the crowd was completely into it - more than 40,000 fans. It was a perfect San Diego evening for a concert. The crazy fans and I danced forever, I was dancing the whole night and believe me, I learned a couple of few Latin steps, Thanks Shakira. I should have lost at least 1 pound. Drinking lemon water, lemonade was fun. Eating grilled chicken along with pretzels and some chips gave me energy for the next two hours to synchronize with the rhythm of Shakira.
And then started……... .Waka Waka and San Diego FC in the top of the MLS western conference was a blast for me and the fans. And whenever wherever……the fun continues, and you sweat like hell, but you never stop.
Many of the dance moves are rooted deep into the Latin dances and it was so good to experience that. However, some of the bits were very identical to the one done by Nepathya - Nepali legend band and also something related to the local music of Kathmandu valley and Shiva’s Tandav dance. It might be a coincidence, but I feel the mix of all eastern and western music and dances.
If you ever get the chance to see Shakira live, do it! You won't regret it. What a night to remember! I will definitely go again if she is back.
