It started with the drums.
With the vibration on our backs the London 2012 Olympics turned as one towards the sound that created movement among the stands.
Along the rows of faces, hundreds of people from all over globe roared together in the countdown to the 2012 Olympic Games.
The arena had been transformed into a virtual English countryside; the breath of millions was taken away by the fragility of the detail in the thatched houses and water mills. Farmers and young maids roamed the hills and cows ate from the grassy pastures.
As we watched spellbound, the English countryside was enveloped by the busyness of the Industrial Revolution. The beating of the drums replaced farmers with coal miners. Cottages disappeared in the place of black smoking towers which emerged from the stomach of the set and created looming reminiscent shadows that were spread throughout the stadium.
Hundreds of different accents joined in their screams of excitement. The world was cheering, cheering for the best show on earth.
From the edges of the arena, five golden circles began to float through the top of the roof, stealing the breath of everyone in their seats as we watched in absolute awe. The golden orbs moved together to form the symbol of peace, hope and unity that we all recognise so well; the Olympic Rings.
Completely unchecked of any inhibitions, the world roared as the Olympic rings burst forth in an amazing spray of fire that pulsated down from the heights of the Rings and immersed itself upon the crowd.
Through the shock off this magnificent display, the dancers once again began to move their feet and the tempo picked up as again the scene changed; a group of fluorescent tights upon the legs of dancers sprung up as a new generation joined the stage. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr were displayed upon a two-storey house that was pulled into position by unseen hands and swept the crowd away in light and noise. The age of the World Wide Web had begun.
Out swung the new age and out came the old again. From the belly of the stage emerged what seemed like hundreds of beds; white luminescent beds that housed small children. Nurses accompanied the youngsters and gently nestled the children in to their sleep. However, the kids had other plans; the music picked up, and we were off again. Jumping, laughing, playing, the children had a field day as they were given free range whilst their elders tried desperately to help them in to bed.
Then came a celebration of the best type of literature; children’s. J.K Rowling read to the world an unforgettable bedtime story to ensure the safe keeping of the little ones and to protect them from the night.
The Queen then made her first appearance; diving out of a helicopter. This coupled with Mr. Bean’s hilarious skit created an unforgettable atmosphere where everyone was laughing along with one another on a global level.
The darkness set in then; everyone was quiet. There were no dancers on stage; the mood in the room was full of anticipation. We were softly introduced to a huge orange light, and within it’s limelight were 50 incredible dancers. The dance, apart from the strange beat of the drum and soft rise and fall of the lyrics, was soundless. The earlier chaos of the show became perfectly balanced under the calm nature of this spellbinding piece as a tribute to the people who lost their lives in the 7/7 London terroist attacks.
This piece was a prelude to the athletes that are the 2012 Olympic Games. Welcoming them as they came in was inspiring; it was amazing to see them marching proudly for their countries in such a surreal environment.
Pacific athletes like Fiji's of Leslie Copeland emerged from underneath the arena and our Oceania group went crazy; waving, laughing, almost in tears. To see them finally get to the place that they have been working so hard to achieve was an absolute privilege.
Last Modified on 31/07/2012 13:04