The final act of the Paris 2024 Paralympics promises to be an unforgettable spectacle—a giant dance party transforming the Stade de France into the biggest dance floor.
As the curtain falls on the 2024 Paralympics, Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening and closing ceremonies, has outlined his vision for a closing ceremony that celebrates inclusivity and joy.
“We want to turn the Stade de France into the biggest dance floor to celebrate the end of the Paralympics,” Jolly said.
On Sunday, 24 DJs will ignite the stadium with thumping techno and dance music, inviting everyone to join in the celebration.
Much like the Paralympic opening ceremony, which featured artists with disabilities and dancers using crutches or wheelchairs, the dance floor will be open to all.
“There will be choreographic sequences that will showcase the body,” Jolly added.
The closing ceremony marks the culmination of Paris’ Olympic and Paralympic journey. For Jolly, a 42-year-old theater director, it’s the final chapter of a remarkable summer.
Jolly directed the July 26 opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on the Seine River, which was widely praised but also met some criticism.
Some viewers perceived a scene featuring French singer Philippe Katerine disguised as Bacchus, the deity of wine and celebration in ancient Roman mythology, as a depiction of “The Last Supper,” Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting. Critics considered it a mockery of the Catholic Church. Paris 2024 organizers expressed regret if any offense was taken.
Although Jolly stated his intention was not to mock religion, he and his family faced harassment on social media, including death threats and attacks based on his sexual orientation and wrongly assumed Israeli roots. French authorities have since opened a hate speech investigation.
“I’ve been doing shows for 20 years, and I’ve had critics on all my theatrical productions,” Jolly said. “Criticism can please, it can hurt. That’s the job. But the attacks, the threats, the insults… that’s a different matter.”
Supported by French political leaders, including President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Jolly affirmed that the controversy did not lead to any changes in subsequent ceremonies. “Absolutely not,” he said. “Nothing was changed, and nothing should have been changed.”
With the closing ceremony set to be a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and unity, Jolly aims to leave a lasting impression. The dance floor at Stade de France will not only mark the end of the Paralympics but also highlight the power of art to bring people together.
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2024 Paralimpics closing ceremony to feature "the biggest dance floor"
cgtn.com
