13,000 fans screamed as the Sprint Center lights darkened. 13,000 fans screamed as the screen lit up with a birds’ eye view of New York City. 13,000 fans screamed as the upbeat music and colorful dancers appeared. 13,000 fans screamed as Taylor Swift emerged onto the 1989 World Tour stage in front of the sold out Sprint Center stage.

Taylor Swift came to Kansas City Sept. 21 and Sept. 22 for the 1989 World Tour. Her opening act was Vance Joy, who played a variety of songs, including his hit single “Riptide” from his album “Dream Your Life Away.”

I went to the concert on Sept. 21, and I must say, especially for a school night, the crowd was unfalteringly loud and the atmosphere was captivatingly electric. In fact, electric is an excellent way to describe the concert’s performances, wardrobes (literally light-up clothing) and crowd. Even while fiercely strutting down the runway-esque stage, belting strong vocals and having quick and fabulous wardrobe, Swift never lost her quirk and lovability.

Swift began the show with her single, “Welcome to New York” and closed with “Shake It Off” in a celebration of dancing, shaking and confetti. In between those songs were sentimental throwbacks to Swift’s older albums. With a touching acoustic performance of “You Belong with Me,” the crowd grew emotional. This performance, in my opinion, was the best performance of the night because it was just Taylor Swift, her guitar and her fans—not to mention the approximately three minutes of cheering and screaming that ensued after the song ended. In addition to bringing back older songs, Swift performed “We Are Never Getting Back Together” and “I Knew You Were Trouble” from her 2012 “Red” album in a darker, less upbeat way that meshed well with the style of songs on her “1989” album like “I Know Places” and “Bad Blood.” The set was cohesive and extremely entertaining.

The 1989 World Tour has been notorious for attracting a variety of celebrity and musical guests. Since I knew that not all stops on the tour would have these special guests, I was not anticipating anybody to come to Kansas (of all places) to perform. I was proven wrong; country artist Dierks Bentley was the surprise musical guest. He performed his hit, “Every Mile a Memory,” with Swift.

Flashing lights, sparkly outfits and showy performances, although an integral part of the concert, were not the things that made this concert a must-see. Not only did Taylor Swift perform, but she also engaged the audience. She explained her reasoning behind each song in the “1989” album. She recounted her experiences with heartbreak and told her audience to remain optimistic about life no matter what happens. She said that dreamers, romantics and optimists will get hurt more than cynics will, but dreamers, romantics and optimists will lead much more beautiful lives. This is something she said that has stuck with me. The cool effects and amazing background dancers are important to talk about, but I truly believe Swift has the diverse fan base that she has because of the profound things she says between performances; she connects with her audience and pours herself into her songs. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a concert like Taylor Swift’s 1989 world tour.