Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremonies Dress Rehearsal – So inspiring
February 9, 2010 | Posted by Marc Smith Luck was smiling on me yesterday. I was gifted two tickets to see the dress rehearsal of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies!
Now don’t get all excited I’m not going to spill the beans about what I saw or who performed. I respect the producers wish to keep it a surprise. What I will do is tell you how I felt and the challenges and success of actually getting in to BC Place to see the dress rehearsal.
To start with the the line ups of people were amazing. We started at Robson and Beatty at 3:40pm and we didn’t get into BC Place until 5:05pm. Now luckily the dress rehearsal only had about a 1/3 capacity inside so if you are seeing the Official Opening Ceremonies I highly recommend giving yourself plenty of time to get inside so you don’t miss a thing.
The actual entrance into BC Place was at the corner of Nelson and Pacific and it was a bit of a zoo. Not much if any signage and no crowd fencing so it was almost a bit like a mosh pit. The Energy was electric, I saw many people I knew in the crowd and all faces were smiling and full of anticipation. I was already starting to feel my Canadian pride seeing how well mannered we all were + the huge volunteer force in their Olympic outfits.
So after getting through the airport like security we are now inside BC Place. Another line up at the concession stand. This was actually slower and more painful than security. Staff are really unsure and they actually ran out of the veggie dog my friend ordered so we had to wait 10 minutes on the side. Ok now we are in our seats, we enjoyed the remaining moments of the preshow. the sound was a bit echoed but that is what a dress rehearsal is for. To fix technical difficulties.
6pm sharp the dress rehearsal begins and my heart filled with pride. Multiple times during the show I had tears of joy in my eyes. The show was magnificent and even though most of the big performers weren’t there I was uplifted and truly awed. I think the world will really understand what it means to be Canadian. More importantly I think this will help Canadians remember what it means to be Canadian.
My only disappointment from the night is the realization that I won’t get to see in live on opening night. If you are going be loud, be proud, be Canadian!
Marc Smith www.twitter.com@amuseconsulting
Categories: Marc Smith | 
Tags: Marc Smith, Olympics, Opening Ceremonies, Vancovuer 2010 | 
8 Comments »
Hey Marc, very cool. I can’t wait to see the real thing. One of my colleagues also attended the dress rehearsal and she said it was so great that she can only describe it with exclamation marks!
Fernando
Hey Marc,
I’m one of the performers in the show ( was in the number dancing and carrying a certain instrument hehe) and i’ve been googling non stop since monday to see if anyone’s been “leaking” and so far i’m extremely pleased to read that everyone wants the world to be just as inspired as the huge compliment of cast and crew does. I know what you mean when you describe the pride you felt, and even tho it was only a half house, 35,000 people, when you guys were cheering us on, well the Canadian Pride was rolling down my cheeks as well right there on the stage accompanied by a big ole toothy grin. I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the show and on behalf of the entire cast thanks for keeping our secret! GO CANADA GO!!!
Hi Marc,
We’d like to talk with you today – re your impressions (without revealing too much) about the Opening Ceremonies rehearsal. If you might call me at 604-662-6838, that would be very appreciated! Yours truly, Paisley Woodward, Producer, CBC News, Vancouver
Dress rehearsal does not start until 6 pm??
Where were you?
Hello Marc
Oops
I made an error
Did not realize more than one dress rehearsal
I apologize
VS
Hey guys thanks for the feedback. Prairie Dog, congrats on being in the show. I look forward to seeing it on TV Friday night. Rock out your performance!
of course you are a class act, i wouldn’t expect anything more. if you ruined my friday experience i would distrust you forever! and so far, i really respect and appreciate you!
Marc, nicely done!.
Althought I am busting to find out any little detail on the opening ceremonies, I too am impressed you didn’t share.
“I Believe” Vancouver will host the best Olypmics ever!.