OLYMPIC CLOSING CEREMONIES LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanFor just over two weeks, nations let down their guard and came together to build lasting friendships, to make memories and to compete for the gold medal, an honor that surpasses the wildest of dreams.
Sadly, the London Summer Olympics came to an end last night with a finale that was simply phenomenal. It far outweighed the opening ceremony with glitz, glamour, emotions and thrills. Perhaps one of the most emotional moments was watching the parade of athletes with huge smiles adorned in medals holding hands, walking side by side with no distinction between countries. This was their night to enjoy the festivities and savor in the celebration.
The theme, “A Symphony of British Music”, focused around the influence of British music on the world. The Closing Ceremony featured 4100 performers-3500 adult volunteers and 380 schoolchildren from six East London boroughs.
What began as a recreation of a busy London street at ‘rush hour’ with cars wrapped in newspaper highlighting some of the best of British Literature, took a more upbeat turn with tunes that brought together Madness, a group that hit the peak of their career from 1976-1986. They sang ‘Our House’ and it only got bigger and better from there.
So many breathtaking moments made the night an event to remember. Pet Shop Boys in futuristic costumes sang an all-time favorite, ‘West End Girls’. The lights dimmed and George Michael appeared belting out ‘Freedom’ to an enthusiastic crowd. This was one of his first live appearances in over a year but he proved that he still has what it takes.
But the night was only just getting started. We went from artists that we grew up with and songs that got us swaying to a young group, making their mark in the music world, One Direction. We listened to the sounds of Stomp, banging and clanging put to some sort of semblance of music.
Some of the best highlights of the evening took us into different facets of British music. Russell Brand rolled out in a psychedelic bus portraying his rendition of Willy Wonka with whimsical dancers by his side while he sang ‘Pure Imagination’. Fatboy Slim enters on a gigantic inflatable octopus with brilliantly lit tentacles moving back and forth and overtaking the stage.
Although we did not see the legend himself, we heard David Bowie singing ‘Fashion’ which gave us a taste of the combination of music and fashion in British society. Large billboards with fashion models painted sideways across the sign made way for the catwalk where iconic supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Stella Tennant, Karen Elson and Jourdan Dunn slowly sauntered across in white and gold gowns designed by Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Christopher Kane.
From there it led into a more subdued and gothic segment where the famed Annie Lenox was rolled out on a skeletal ship dressed in dark fashion singing ‘Little Bird’.
We were brought current with the sounds of Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and Taio Cruz getting the audience roaring with a couple songs including a trip back to the disco era with the Bee Gees hit, ‘You Should Be Dancing’.
But wait, here comes five glittery taxi cabs and who should get out dressed in dazzling dramatic dresses by Giles Deacon, Maggi Cooke, JD Sports, Suzanne Neville and Zuhair Murad but the Spice Girls all looking absolutely remarkable. They had fun singing ‘Wannabe’. This was their first reunion since 2008 and it could not have happened for a more fitting occasion.
Paul McCartney opened the ceremonies and it seemed only appropriate that John Lennon close the ceremonies. It was a poignant moment when the large screen revealed a singing John Lennon. Children sat below paying tribute in white t-shirts emblazoned with the words “Imagine” as it was sang behind them. In what seemed a magical moment, 101 fragments of a broken sculpture came together to form Lennon’s face.
Many more British artists took us through retrospective British music but then the traditional time came to hand over the flag to the next country of origin who will host the Summer Olympic Games of 2016, Rio de Janeiro. We spotted Prince Harry alongside Kate, Duchess of Cambridge looking stunning in a simple but striking dress. Harry was representing the Queen for this evening of merriment.
After a brief speech from Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio and IOC President, Jacques Rogge, a colorful carnival-like dance preview took place of what is in store for us in Rio, the first country to host the games in South America. Brazilian supermodel and Victoria’s Secret ‘Angel’, Alessandra Ambrosio, was present on stage as well as part of the handoff in a costume created by Brazilian fashion designer Jum Nakao, a designer known for intricate-cut creations.
The torch was finally set to be extinguished. All 204 golden petals will go home with the Olympic representative from their nation with the country’s name engraved on the petal. The ceremony ended on a most positive and buoyant note as Take That powerfully sang “Rule The World”.
We look back over the last 17 days and wonder in awe at the hard work, dedication and fervor that these young athletic stars put into the games and their special sport and although our hats and our hearts go out to each and every one, we cannot help but be partial to the golden athletes of the United States who walked away with the most medals. The United States took home 104 medals in all followed by China taking home 87 and then Russia taking 82.
Lastly, we cannot forget to thank Great Britain for a job so well done in so many ways and thanks to NBC for bringing the games out to the entire world to watch as they unfolded.
PHOTO CREDITS: Reuters, A/P, www.nymag.com
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