Concert Etiquette, Is Blocking Someone’s View Fair Game?

Is it alright to stand at a concert? I know, this seems like a ridiculous question because of course you can stand at a concert. A more direct question might be, are you being a jerk if you stand through the performance and potentially blocking the view of others?

What is acceptable and what is unacceptable concert behavior? One one hand you have the free spirit that is expressing their joy movin' to the groovin'. On the other hand you have the person that, perhaps, paid a lot of money for their seat and they want to use it without having their view blocked.

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Recently, I attended a show at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and watched the show from pavilion seats basically in the middle of the venue. I used my seat the entire night but many people were up and dancing the night away.

At one point I noticed an older man angrily ask a woman to sit down because he couldn't see. The woman said no! Her argument was, she rented that space for the night and can choose to sit, stand, sway, dance, or jump up and down if she wanted to and, I believe, she is right.

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In all my years of attending concerts I have never asked someone to sit down because I couldn't see, and I am 5'-7"! The tallest individual in the venue always sits in front of me and sometimes stands. If you are going to get mad that you can't see I suggest watching YouTube videos in your living room.

You are attending a concert not a church service. If the music moves someone they have every right to express that by dancing. I would even guess there is not 1 artist that would prefer you sit. Part of their job is to get you on your feet.