Taylor Swift fever is nearing its peak in Vancouver, with packed merch stores, dozens of themed parties around the city, and much more.
The excited fandom is music to the ears of local drag performers Carrie Dawn and Jo Durée, who have been wowing crowds with their spot-on impersonations of the global superstar.
Dawn and Durée have had a busy Swiftie season performing to audiences wanting to get their fill of everything Taylor, though they have been fans of her work for a long time.
Carrie Dawn
“I’ve been a huge Taylor Swift fan since her debut in 2006,” Dawn told Daily Hive in an interview. “I grew up in the suburbs listening to country music, so when Taylor’s first album came out, it was a full country music moment for me — I was instantly hooked. I was even chosen as one of the lucky fans to be taken backstage to meet her at the Speak Now World Tour stop here in 2011.”
“It was early 2019 when I performed my first Taylor number — I made a medley of songs from her 1989 album and re-created one of her outfits. I performed for a crowd of people in Mission, and little did I know back then where performing as Taylor would bring me.”
Carrie Dawn
Durée explained that there are a few important things to remember when impersonating Taylor Swift, and the look is top of the list.
“I usually aim for her most iconic and recognizable looks. Knowing her mannerisms really help, and if you know a bit of her choreography from her shows (especially the Eras Tour) that really seals the deal.
“Depending on what type of audience there is, I would think of more niche Taylor references. One thing you can always count on is an audience of Swifties knowing Taylor’s lesser-known songs and outfits. We treat it like a science and Taylor is our field of study. Swiftology, if you will.”
Jo Durée
Both Durée and Dawn began their drag journey in the late 2010s and share a love for connecting with audiences in a playful and creative way.
“For me, the best thing about performing is seeing the joy on the faces of people in the audience,” Dawn revealed. “When I perform as different characters, not just Taylor, knowing that people are able to connect with either the song I’m doing, the artist I’m impersonating, or if they have a special memory of a moment in time for them that they’re reminded of, is the most fulfilling aspect. Drag isn’t some scary, intimidating thing — it’s simply just art and it is beautiful.”
“Drag has helped me through some of the darkest chapters in my life and continues to add a sparkle of joy to every exciting opportunity I get to do it,” added Durée.
Carrie Dawn
The dynamic drag duo are keeping busy this week while Swift is in town. Dawn is producing a sold-out trio of Taylor Swift Eras Tour Drag Brunches at the Ventura Room and Durée is performing at Eras After Hours unofficial afterparty at Celebrities.
“Taylor is such an inspiration for people of all ages,” said Dawn. “Taylor is strong, fearless, and unapologetically herself. People around the world can relate to her kindness, her girl-next-door charm and, most importantly, her love for her fans.”