'I had three months of dance training': Taylor Swift opens up about rigorous prep behind Eras Tour for unmatched performances

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Taylor Swift, who was named Time's Person of the Year for 2023, shared insights into the intensive preparation behind her monumental 'Eras' tour in an interview with Time Magazine.

The pop sensation disclosed the rigorous training regimen she underwent to deliver over three-hour-long shows, featuring over 40 songs, with 16 costume changes mid-show alongside pyrotechnics, and captivating visual effects.

Taylor Swift shows her commitment to fans with grueling training regimen

In her interview, Taylor Swift delved into the intense preparation behind her groundbreaking Eras Tour, shedding light on her grueling training routine and unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for her fans.

Swift, who started preparing six months before the tour even began, disclosed her daily training routine, emphasizing the physical and mental demands of her performances.

"Every day I would run on the treadmill, singing the entire set list out loud…Fast for fast songs, and a jog or a fast walk for slow songs…Then I had three months of dance training, because I wanted to get it in my bones… I wanted to be so over-rehearsed that I could be silly with the fans, and not lose my train of thought,” she revealed.

Swift's cardio and her dance training with Mandy Moore were just the tip of the iceberg as she continued her preparations ahead of the tour. As part of her commitment to peak performance, Swift made the decision to quit drinking, acknowledging the detrimental impact of performing with a hangover.

"Doing that show with a hangover," Swift stated, "I don't want to know that world." Her dedication to stick to her decision and the amount of effort she put into the tour paid off as the Eras Tour became the highest-grossing music tour.

Swift expressed her unwavering commitment to taking the stage, regardless of personal challenges. She said, "I know I’m going on that stage whether I’m sick, injured, heartbroken, uncomfortable, or stressed…That’s part of my identity as a human being now. If someone buys a ticket to my show, I’m going to play it unless we have some sort of force majeure.”

Her dedication also highlighted the downsides to her fame as she was committed to her tour through all ups and downs.

Acknowledging the dedicated efforts of her fans to secure tickets, Swift expressed a strong desire to reciprocate their support. By providing a high-value experience, Swift aimed to exceed fan expectations and create a show that surpassed conventional durations. 

She said, "They had to work really hard to get the tickets…I wanted to play a show that was longer than they ever thought it would be, because that makes me feel good leaving the stadium.” 

Tour Evolution: From Frat guy to Eras Tour transformation

Reflecting on her past tours, Swift humorously mentioned how she used to "like a frat guy" but embraced a transformative approach for The Eras Tour. She decided to take one day to recover after a series of show dates, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of her electrifying performances.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has not only become the most lucrative tour in music history but has also reshaped the landscape of entertainment economics. The tour, which commenced in March and is scheduled until late 2024, is projected to have injected an astounding $5.7 billion into the American economy, surpassing any previous records.

As estimated by Peter Cohan, an associate professor of management at Babson College, per the Washington Post, the $5.7 billion is nearly substantial enough to allocate $20 to every individual in the United States. Swift, with her tour, is expected to outearn the annual GDP of 42 countries globally, earning an estimated income of $4.1 billion herself.

The Eras Tour has not only contributed to Swift's personal success but has also made a significant impact on the US economy. Ticket sales, merchandising, and travel associated with the tour have collectively raised approximately $93 million for the local economy per show, showcasing a comprehensive economic ripple effect.

Industry experts, including Chris Leyden, director of growth marketing at SeatGeek, recognize Swift's tour as a transformative force in redefining entertainment economics.