We went to see the taping of Skating with the Stars at the CBS studios yesterday.
First of all, I’ve never seen the show before. I’ve never seen Dancing with the Stars. I don’t watch TV.
Second, I don’t know any “celebrities”, and I didn’t recognize anyone at the taping.
We went because it sounded like fun to watch a taping and this was the only show we can get free tickets at the last minute.
Okay, so it was fun, once we got into the studio. But it took 1 1/2 hours to get in…why??
First, we had to go through security where they searched our bags thoroughly, taking out wallets and every piece of paper. Then they took our cell phones and cameras with a claim ticket for us to get it back later. Wished they had told us that in advance. Fortunately, I got my iPhone 4 back safely, or I would’ve been really mad. The instructions on the website gave the dress code (no one wearing jeans will be admitted, men should wear tie and jackets), so there was no reason why they couldn’t tell us that no cameras or cell phones will be allowed.
The stupid thing is, the security is done in an open area, so after going through the check, you could just walk out to use the bathroom, and come back with some bombs hidden in your jacket without going through security again.
Being that it was a rainy and cold day, we dressed warmly, which was a good thing because we had to wait outside for over 1 1/2 hours, with more than 1/2 of that standing. There were not enough benches for everyone to sit because the outer bench was wet from the rain. We were one of the lucky ones who had to stand. When the girl led us from the security area to this holding area, she said, “Come this way, please stand here in a line,” I assumed we were standing in a line ready to go into the studio. It turned out we were standing there in the cold for well over 1/2 hour. Imagine 5 long rows of benches with over 100 people sitting there, and about 20 of us standing there in a line next to them. That was awkward. I would think they could’ve made some accommodations, sheesh.
Other points of interest:
– absolutely no chewing gum, it looks bad on camera.
– don’t go on the ice.
– I sat right behind a camera which blocked my view of the center of the rink
– it was cold inside because it was an ice skating rink afterall, but with all the clapping and shouting we had to do, I warmed up. I was also wearing a turtleneck sweater, a jacket and a long wool coat.
Once we made it inside the studio, it was fun. We were told when to clap, when to stand while clapping, when to cheer while continuing to clap. And it was fun to watch the skating up close.
We asked a friend to Tivo it for us. I was able to see ourselves when we paused it at just the right place – such a blur that I wouldn’t know it was me except that I knew it’s where I was sitting. What surprised me was that the large camera that blocked my view was invisible. How do they do that?
And that was my 1 second of fame on national TV.