The final celebration of the Paralympics in Paris will be a grand dance party at the Stade de France, featuring 24 DJs playing techno and dance music. Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Olympics and Paralympics opening and closing ceremonies, aims to transform the stadium into a massive dance floor. Like the inclusive opening ceremony, where artists and dancers with disabilities took center stage, the dance party will be open to everyone. Choreographic sequences highlighting the body are planned for the event.
As Paris bids farewell to its Olympic and Paralympic journey, the closing ceremony will be a pivotal moment orchestrated by Jolly, who faced criticism for the Olympics’ opening ceremony in July. Despite controversy surrounding a scene that was misinterpreted by some viewers as mocking religion, no changes were made to the subsequent ceremonies. Jolly, receiving support from French political leaders, denounced the hate speech he and his family faced online.
Preparing for the ceremonies involved years of dedication and secrecy, with much of the work done at night or in remote locations. Ahead of the Paralympic closing ceremony, rehearsals are underway at the Stade de France during nighttime due to daytime athletics competitions. Jolly, who has dedicated himself entirely to the job without celebrating or partying, is considering documenting his Olympic experience in a book before returning to theater.
Reflecting on the unique opportunity the Olympics provided him, Jolly remains focused on his roots in theater, acknowledging that smaller-scale productions carry significant value. Despite the challenges and controversies, Jolly stands by his artistic vision and the thorough approval process involving the French government, Paris city officials, and the International Olympic Committee.
