Danielle Nadal from Framestore's Commercials Production Department is taking part in the Olympic opening ceremony this Friday and has written an account of how she got the opportunity and what it was like to meet Danny Boyle. Coverage of the opening ceremony will begin at 9pm on BBC One on Friday July 26.
As some of you may know, I will be performing at the Olympic Opening Ceremony this Friday as a volunteer performer.
Back in August/September 2011, I saw a link on a news website asking the public if they would like to perform at either the Olympic Opening, Closing or Paralympic Opening, Closing Ceremonies. It was a lottery type procedure where all names would be put into a database and then those chosen would be notified by email to come for a first audition.
I received an email saying I got through to the first audition process which was held at a studio. We had to do a number of fun routines while making sure we stood out. My tactic was to smile as much a possible and my big hair was in full force. The audition lasted about four hours and was a lot of fun. After the audition we were told that in a few weeks time if we were successful, we would be notified by email to come for a second audition. I was told the next day and given my date.
This second audition was actually on the day that I was supposed to be on holiday in Italy. I rescheduled my flight and went to the audition. This time it was tougher because we had to learn several dance routines and performed them back to back. I thought no way am I getting through as I could not remember some of the moves, so I just had a lot of fun with it and thought at least I tried.
Several weeks later, I was on the bus home and my sister called me asking if I got into the ceremony. I told her that I had not heard anything. She mentioned that a friend of hers wrote a status update saying she got through. I immediately checked my emails and there it was in my inbox, an offer to be a cast member in the Olympic Opening Ceremony. I could not believe it and I was very happy to be chosen for the opening.
Danny Boyle is directing the whole show and as my friends and colleagues know I am a big movie buff so this is all very exciting for me. At our first rehearsal he went through the whole show to give us an idea of how everything will look. Since April, I had been waking up at 7am every Sunday morning going to rehearsals which lasted about five hours. Then in the last couple of months, rehearsals became more intense with weekly sessions. These past two weeks have been absolutely amazing seeing everything coming together. Danny Boyle is there every time which is really nice as you feel he is over looking everything. The whole team (organisers, choreographers & performers) are great and encouraging.
We had our first technical dress rehearsal this week, performing in front of 50,000 people. This is definitely one of the biggest performances of my life and I am very proud to be apart of this amazing experience.
Wish me luck!
Danielle
(Olympic Park image courtesy of London 2012)