What I Did: Lady Gaga Born This Way Ball

Vintage Mia! At the Monster Ball in 2010.

I went to Lady Gaga's Monster Ball tour several years back, and I honestly consider it life-changing. I am always wary of saying that because it can sound so trite. Really? A pop concert changed your life?

It's not just the music, though, it's the experience. It's the show as a whole, the environment of acceptance, and the message of "It's okay to be who you are." It feels impossible to explain how it impacted me, but luckily, everyone at the Born This Way Ball knew what I was talking about.

My original ticket.

The Monster Ball took place during the summer before I started college. Now, as I am gearing up to graduate in May, it seemed appropriate that the Born This Way Ball should come through town.

Hollie and I!

Waiting in the rain.

I knew when I bought my ticket that I would be waiting in line all day to get inside the Monster Pit. I didn't have money for decent seats this time around, and I had no issue hanging out downtown all day. 

On the morning of the show in the cold rain, we arrived fully dressed, made up, and ready to go at 8 am. I wore something similar to last time around, but I added Judas makeup and a bandana to make it a little more updated.

At first, we didn't get pit passes. I decided to wait around anyway with my friends, who all had floor seats, and a few hours later, I was gifted a Monster Pit pass by someone I'd just met that morning. There were less than 250 Monster Pit passes given away that morning, so I was incredibly lucky.

Mary and I! Love her blue lipstick.

Instagramming in the bathroom.

Other Little Monsters who woke up early to wait in line.

That kind of giving, loving, caring environment was present all day, from people who offered costume pieces as blankets for those taking naps to the group that offered my friend without money a slice of their pizza. Not to mention -- everyone looked fabulous.

A highway unicorn!

 

This is how close I was to the stage!

 The concert started with a few opening acts, including a DJ named Madeon who had a really great set. I loved his little LED cube that lit up to his music.

And when Gaga took the stage, she owned it. She is such a ham, but she really is a talented performer and thankful for her fans. I love her music, but her showmanship takes it to the next level. Even if you don't like her music, you have to admit she puts on one hell of a show.

In addition to all of her costuming, dancing, and live singing, she also has a message of self-love and self-acceptance that really resonates with me. Lady Gaga is unabashedly herself and she inspires me to do the same.

Everyone behind me!

Seeing Gaga in the Monster Pit was incredible. Not only did I make friends inside the pit and in the line, but I was so close to all the action! As always, Lady Gaga puts on an excellent show, and The Monster Pit is truly the best way to see it. 

Here's a slideshow of all my photos, there were just too many to include them all in the post!