On July 2, 2003, Vancouver was informed they had won the Olympic bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. On Friday, Vancouver welcomed the world to the 2010 Winter Olympics Games with a fantastic show, orchestrated by David Atkins Enterprises, and I (along with Dan) had the privilege of being a part of it. After auditioning, Dan and I had the privilege of being selected to participate with hundreds of others in performing in the Opening Ceremonies. Now that everyone one has seen the show, we can finally openly talk about a show we’ve had to keep our lips sealed about for so long. We helped officially welcome the world to our beautiful city….to Vancouver, Canada. Countless hours of rehearsals and long days were all worth it when we performed on Friday. We were part of the Rhythms of the Fall portion of the Cultural Segment of the ceremonies.

We, the builders, come out carrying leaves, and actually I was one of the four people that carried in the big tap board that was brought to the center of the field of play. This is wear the hero tapper Brock Jellison performed his solo, and other well known musicians, including Ashley MacIsaac performed their solos. Shivers went through my body as we walked out to a lively crowd of 60,000 people and an estimated 3 billion people watching. I was surprisingly not that nervous, just extremely excited and in awe at being a part of it.

Timed & synchronized to the second, each of the leaves were opened up by the builders to create a leaf canopy, in which the centre was raised to create a tiered stage. On their cue, the first group of tappers & fiddlers come running out. There are five groups that come out at different times. Dan was in the fourth group I believe, entering from one of the trap doors from beneath the stage. As he runs up, I was always standing in front of him so we got to give each other a “OMG this is really happening smile” before he ran onto stage. After the fifth group of tappers & fiddlers, they are followed by a group of professional “hero tappers” that throw their tap boards onto the the river that has surrounded the leaf-filled stage. They do their thing and the performance continues on with everyone, with pyro going off on some performers tap shoes and fiddle bows, and concludes with over 170 leaf cannons firing throughout the stadium, and tons of fireworks going off. Dan and I both got to bow at the end, facing the President’s box, which was really cool, and waving to everyone as we each exited our or Voms was a fantastic feeling.

The feeling backstage after was indescribable. Everyone was high on life, seriously. We exited back to our tent through the airlock, got our parting gifts and bags, and Dan and I headed over to Donovan & Brian’s where they were having an Opening Ceremonies viewing party. As we entered the door in our costumes, we had an overwhelming applause from everyone which was such a great feeling and was totally appreciated.

I would like to stay that working with David Atkins and Drew Anthony (choreographer of our number) was absolutely amazing. I am still in awe at how they do what they do. So many details, so many people, so much secrecy, so many expectations. I couldn’t do it. They are really talented people and I’m grateful to have worked with them, and all the other fantastic people I met in the process. We took a lot of pictures backstage on the night, here are a few:

2010 Olympics Opening Ceremonies: “Rhythms of the Fall” – The Builders

Minutes before going on stage, carrying the centre tap board with the Hero Builders.

The Hero Builders…sans Tap Board.

Killing some time with Dan, although Dan is seemingly uninterested in hanging out in the Builders section. Maybe he’s standing out too much with his blue hair?

Check out an article written about my experience in my home town newspaper, The Terrace Standard.

Related Stories:
• Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torchlighting FAIL!
• What I’m the LEAST Jealous Of: Olympic Performers
• The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies: TONIGHT!

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