Back in February, I auditioned for a chance to be part of the cast for the Paralympic Games ceremonies. I didn't really hear anything for a long time so I just sort of forgot about it, but in April, I got a cast offer to be in the Paralympic Opening Ceremony.
We rehearsed a lot, and it turned out to be a really fun experience. Our cast was in the section called Empowerment which was the grand finale of the ceremony. It was a beautiful feeling to dance along a cast of 200+ volunteers to celebrate the fantastic athletes who were a part of the Paralympic Games.
The rehearsal process lasted about 3 months and I got to know my little group quite well. I will miss the experience, but it was a really great time, and it was special to be a part of something so important in British history.
we received tickets to the dress rehearsal of the Olympic Opening ceremony.
such a thrill!
the ceremony did some crazy things, but this part was my favorite! it was meant to represent the industrialisation period of Great Britain. it was quite hard to hear it on TV, but there were thousands of drummers coming downs the aisles. it was deafening.
Sneaky photo during our first day rehearsing at the Olympic Stadium.
And me! it was so amazing to see them working to put together that massive show.
me and my pod. we had to run with these hoisted over our heads, which was interesting considering it was really windy in London most of August.
Kanako!
practicing the parade of athletes. we sat in the royalty box for this!
i found the Costa Rica ambassador! all the countries were led on to the field of play by an ambassador wearing these dresses... they looked like garbage bags, but looked cool on the screens.
our group getting ready to perform! Tony, me, Aasha and Kanako.
Our outfits had the Declaration of Human Rights printed on them.
Kanako and I during the finale!
A summary of the night!
the finale! the statue is of alison lapper. this was the coolest part of all. at the end, we all put our fist up to the air as if to say "more power to you" and held it there for a long, long time.
sir Ian McKellen performed with us! He gave a speech and then joined our group... he was on the stage holding one of the letters that spelled out the word "rights"
Stephen Hawkins joined our performance as well! what an honor. SERIOUSLY.
i was floored when i saw the performance photos the next day and realised he was on stage with us.
The entire performance... my section begins at 3:24:36 until about 3:31:00. You can't see me at all, but this was my group.
it was such an amazing experience. i can't believe i was so lucky to be a part of something so large, empowering, and significant. i loved every second of it and i will always cherish my time as a performer at the 2012 Paralympic Games.
2 comments:
All I can say is WOW! What is the new joy you landed?
new job, type-o
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