My Olympic Experience - The Rehearsals

Week two of our Olympic rehearsals and we were back at 3 Mills studios in Bromley-By-Bow.  This week we started to learn our actual choreography (the week before had just been to get us used to the style of the hip hop moves we would be learning, as this is something that was new to a lot of us – me included). I was nervous about how my body would cope as I was still recovering from my operation and visiting the nurse daily, but this week was a lot easier on me. In fact I think the rehearsals helped my body kick start getting back to normal. I was in a bit of pain and stiff for a few days afterwards but slowly but surely I was getting my groove back!

This was also the week that we got to meet our dance captain, the amazing Skytilz! I remember for weeks afterwards the first thing the volunteers would say to each other was ‘how awesome is Skytilz?!’ Everyone loved her, she made every rehearsal a lot of fun, broke every move down so we all understood and made a lot of jokes! I have to say the dance captains have really made the experience for me. All of them are incredible talented but so down to earth and approachable. I don’t think we could have been taught by better people. (Shout out to all our dance captains especially Nads, Nathaniel, Duwane, Theo and Rhimes!!)

My section was the 80’s and 90’s. I remember we didn’t know which songs we would be dancing to. Only after we had learnt some moves and eventually tried them to music did we find out what tracks they were to. This made our time at 3 Mills always exciting because you never knew what was coming next! It took about three weeks before we knew all the songs we would be dancing too and I loved the choices.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning a completely new dance style – and loved that most of the moves had names (this was a godsend when trying to remember routines!). With names like the Roger Rabbit and Steve Martin they were impossible to forget. Every Sunday was a five hour solid rehearsal of dancing and although tiring I always left with a smile on my face and counting down the time till the next rehearsal.

At our first rehearsal at 3 Mills we got to meet the main man, Kenrick 'H2O' Sandy, who was choreographing the whole Thanks Tim section. Kenrick is a huge name in the hip hop dance scene. He helped choreograph the ‘Streetdance’ films, he co-owns an Olivier award winning dance company called Boy Blue Entertainment and has been a judge on the dance show ‘Street Dance Stars’. We were working with the best of the best. Plus all of our dance captains are members of Boy Blue Entertainment. (Check them out in the video below)

Kenrick told us that our section was going to be the most hardcore and energetic out of the whole piece. He wasn’t lying! As he said ‘you can’t be two-stepping to no Firestarter’! Even though our rehearsals were early on Sundays morning we needed to bring energy. I can’t think of anything better to give you a rush on a Sunday morning than dancing, especially in preparation for the opening ceremony.

During our second week we also got taken to try our costumes on. I couldn’t believe we got to try them on so soon and it was awesome seeing everyone in their neon clothes and smiley face t-shirts! It really was a flashback and I can clearly remember people wearing my costume to raves in the 90’s.

I was pleasantly surprised that Danny Boyle attended every rehearsal. He was always there with an encouraging speech, a handheld camera and a look of excitement. Whenever we were waiting he would always make a point of speaking to us individually.

The thing that has always stood out to me is Danny Boyle’s enthusiasm for the volunteers. Realistically it is a huge risk to take 10,000 people, some of whom have plenty of experience and some who have never performed in their life, and use them to create a show, not just any show but one that is presented on the global stage. His reputation would be on the line. But not once did I ever get the impression Danny Boyle was worried about this. In fact I don’t think he even thought of any other option. He seemed to have his heart set on normal people representing their country. What a wonderful attitude. I have never seen such enthusiasm for a project or the people involved. We all came into this being overwhelmed that we would be part of Danny Boyle’s show. But Danny repeated told us this was our show. 

The 3 Mills rehearsals were purely about learning the choreography. Once we graduated from there we would start to transform what we had learnt into a show. After five weeks at 3 Mills we moved onto the old Ford plant car park in Dagenham, officially known as 1:1. This meant a two hour commute for me, from one side of London to the other. Although this meant waking at 5.30am on Sunday mornings I always woke up excited and bounded along to rehearsals like an excitable puppy.

This outdoor space had two full scale replicas of the Olympic stadium, both fields of play separated by a giant circus tent.  This would be when we would learn our coordinates and the transitions we would make around the stage during our performance.

The most exciting element about Dagenham was that each week our rehearsals got bigger and bigger as we were joined by more and more groups from our section. We started out week one as all 400 of the 80’s and 90’s dancer. We were then joined by the Now’s, making it 700 people. A few weeks after that all 1400 dancers came together. It was our first glimpse at the other sections and it finally felt like we were working towards a show rather than having a lot of fun in a massive outdoor dance class.

As well as cleaning choreography we also needed to learn funnelling (something I found difficult not to turn into a race as I am naturally competitive but would come hugely in handy when trying to get 1400 people into a tube station after rehearsals) and huge amounts of blocking. Although very time consuming the mass team, lead by the amazing Gina Chan Martinez,who were responsible in getting all 1400 of us into the correct places, always completely their tasks speedily. It is incredible what they do when you think about the scale of it. And this wasn’t just getting people into lines. This involved getting people into complex shape, like our awesome 90’s smiley face, which would be the formation my section started in.

Dagenham was also the place where we got to see more of the man who was choreographing the whole 'Thanks Tim' section, Kenrick Sandy.  Kenrick would often start and end the day with motivational, and hilarious, speeches that equally made us passionate about our performance but eager to get it right. Kenrick made sure we were under no illusion that we could just roll up and give a half ass performance. Although we would be working our usual jobs in the week at the weekend at rehearsals we would be expected to act like professional dancers, which meant paying attention and pushing ourselves to make the moves look as best as we possibly could.

What really help was having the awesome dance captains and Kenrick walking through us and if we looked to be having trouble they would always help us in a way that motivated us instead of making us stand out as ‘the one who is getting it wrong’. There was a definite sense of we are all in this together and working for the same goal. There was no ‘them’ and ‘us’. This gave us an environment where we all felt comfortable and didn’t need to feel like we would look silly if we needed to ask for help.  And if you were too nervous to ask the dance captains were always there watching and giving friendly tips when needed.

The first ten weeks of rehearsal were all about getting us ready to move into the stadium. By then we had learnt our choreography, learnt our transitions and learnt our coordinates of where to stand on stage. Now it was time to take things to the next level. Now it was time to graduate to the Olympic stadium...

My Olympic Experience - The Auditions

This is the image that will stick with me for the rest of my life. My brain still can’t quite full comprehend that just next to one of those flames I am stood, performing to billions of people across the world in the London 2012 Olympic Opening ceremony.

The journey started almost a year ago when I saw an advert on Twitter (how terribly modern) for auditions for dancers for the Olympic Opening ceremony. I took a curious glance to see what the criteria was and to my surprise no experience was necessary. I didn’t think this could be right! But I thought nothing ventured, nothing gained so I applied. Having up until this point only taken Michael Jackson style dance classes (which to be fair come in handy on a night out!) I doubted I would even get through the application process.

About a month later, whilst on a family holiday in Florida, I received an invitation to attend an audition. I couldn't quite believe it! Surely I had managed to stealthy get through the process and at some point they would realise their mistake! I remember telling my mum I had an audition for the Olympics and she looked baffled. I hadn’t mentioned to anyone I had applied and I think she thought I meant as an athlete! (And that would be fooling no one!). Even just receiving an invitation to audition was enough to start the buzz around the possibility I may be involved in some capacity in the world’s largest sporting event .

When my audition date arrived I headed to 3 Mills Studios in Bromley-By-Bow and I was nervous. I had never auditioned before in my life and was sure I would be the person with the least experience there. I was certain I was about to step onto the set of ‘Fame’ and although I had sneaked through the application process I would suddenly be outed as an infiltrator.

In fact the audition process was brilliant! I had a fantastic day meeting such enthusiastic people who were just as nervous and shocked to be there as I was. We were inspired by videos of previous ceremonies and regaled tales of people’s memories of previous ceremonies. The range of people was so diverse it was inspiring. People of all ages and walks of life were taking a shot to be involved in the biggest show London would ever put on.  We ran around in a giant game of battleship, danced to Beyonce (it was a sign!!) and acted our way through a scene involving vigorous teeth brushing and Oyster Card swiping.

I left on a high. I was sure I may not get through but just to be able to say I auditioned for the Olympics was enough.

The next day I received an email saying I had been successful and was invited to attend a role specific audition. Surely this wasn’t real? I was so excited! And curious as to what the role may be. I was hoping for dance (as this is my passion) but terrified that if I was against actual dancers, people who had danced their whole lives, performed in shows and took regular classes, that there was no way I would get in.

Three weeks later when I arrived once more at 3 Mills everyone was wearing sweats. This was a good sign! It was almost certainly a dance audition. But then the fear returned. What would be in store? I now realised I wanted to be involved more than I thought and didn’t want this to be the end of the road.

Once the audition started I relaxed – in fact you couldn’t do anything other than enjoy! It was hours of dancing fun and the buzz was brilliant. At the end when we danced to ‘Moves Like Jagger’ everyone, even the paramedics, were dancing! It was an infectious jubilant mood! Once more I left on a high, happy to have been given the opportunity to be invited to audition.

We then had a nervous 8 week wait to know whether we were in or not. I had a friend who had also auditioned and whenever an email was sent she would receive hers around  8 hours before I received mine. I always took this as a sign of not being ‘in’.

On the 13^th January around 8PM I received the email. ‘Congratulations! London 2012 Ceremonies are pleased to inform you that you have been successful in your audition to become a Ceremonies Volunteer Performer in the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony’. I couldn’t believe it! I was going to be in the opening ceremony of the Olympics! I cried with joy. Whoever thought someone with no experience would be given the opportunity to represent their country and perform on the world’s biggest stage?

Rehearsals started in April. I was so excited to get going. Unfortunately for me three weeks before our first rehearsal I had to have an emergency operation of my back. This lead to me having a section of my back removed and needing to see a nurse every day for 6 weeks. I was told I may have to accept defeat and pull out of the show. I was flabbergasted. At no point had I ever contemplated I may not be able to take part.

Three weeks later and it was the first rehearsal. The operation was more serious than I thought and this was the first time I had been properly out of my house and moving since my operation. It seemed impossible that I would be able to dance but I was determined I would not let this opportunity slip through my fingers.

Once more I returned to 3 Mills, which would be our home for the next five Sunday’s. We received our Olympic accreditation (well actually I didn’t. My photo was never right and I spent the first 4 weeks having my photo taken!). It felt real all of a sudden. I mean I had a BADGE!

We sat in one of the sound stages and all of us nervously but excitedly spoke with our fellow volunteers about how we couldn’t believe we were here! Then Steve Boyd – the softly spoke but ever so enthusiastic American who guided us through our auditions – introduced Danny Boyle. The Danny Boyle. I was so excited! I was sure other people would lead our section and Danny would direct from afar. But this was our first opportunity to see just how hands on, and how down to earth, Danny was.

When Danny explained our section I was overjoyed. The concept sounded fantastic! A blend of the best of British pop music combined with a thank you to Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the British inventor of the World Wide Web and the man responsible for how we live in the modern technological age.  We were then shown a storyboarded video of our segment. I can’t lie, I choked up a bit when I realised just how proud this segment made me feel to be British. I could not wait to start learning the choreography. Plus my segment was the 80’s and 90’s – totally music I grew up with!

Danny then took smaller groups to look at a scale model of the stadium. It was huge! I couldn’t believe we would be performing in such a huge arena, the OLYMPIC arena at that.

Then we split into two groups and moved into another sound stage. The first rehearsal was hard. Nearly 4 hours of constant dancing. I was in agony. We were lined up, drilled with choreography and then performed two rows at a time. There was a feeling of at any moment if you messed up you would be kicked out. The team reassured us that we were through so we could relax but everybody was on edge.  I felt gutted. I knew I was underperforming but the fact I was even moving was a feat unto itself! At the very end I spoke to mass movement to let them know of my situation. I was told it was OK for me to sit out the last two runs of choreography but the message was passed onto my cast coordinator. I was asked if this was a reoccurring problem and couldn’t help feel like I possibly may be relegated to an understudy position or moved to a space where I may not really be visible.

At the end I was ready to lie down and rest. I felt a mix of emotions. Such excitement of being in on the secret, enthusiastic to keep learning more choreography but also worried that maybe my body was not ready...

Never Can Say Goodbye

Today is the second anniversary of the passing of The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Even though it is two years gone this day will always evoke the emotions of that time. A bizarre mix of sadness and elation. Sad for the loss of someone so inspirational and magical, and sad that the figure who seemed to have an air of sadness and who never found true happiness. And elation at the unity, the joy, the music, the dance, the altruism and the sense of hope that he brought to people. 

But I never feel words give justice to what I want to be able to say about Michael Jackson. For me Michael Jackson was, and still is, the soundtrack to my life. Anyone born in the 1980's will surely share this sentiment. It was the height of Jackson mania. Every child of that time idolised and wanted to be Michael Jackson. School disco's were all who could most dance like Michael Jackson. Every song, lyric and music video were memorised. He was the standard. He made people dream big. He made you believe anything was possible.

When I think back to that time it makes me smile. I loved my childhood and Michael Jackson was a big part of that. To be a part of that sense of knowing that you were seeing something extraordinary and world changing is unlike anything else. And when I listen to Michael Jackson or watch videos of him performing I still get that childhood feeling of wonderment and delight. To this day when I hear the first beat of 'Billie Jean' I still get excited! And this is a song I have been listening to my whole life!

And that is just some of the reasons why I love Michael Jackson. He ability to inspire and delight, the genius of his music and dance - he really was the physical embodiment of the rhythm and beat. But to me Michael was more than just the world's best entertainer. A huge part of why I love Michael is his altruism and nature. No matter what was said about him or what he was put through he always responded was grace and dignity. He seemed grounded and truly had love and care for the plight of others. He spoke passionately about important issues and really did seek to spread love. Seeing how Michael Jackson was influenced my own life. It made me be aware and want to seek what is going on in the rest of the world. It then made me get involved in charity work, campaigning and activism. He reminds me to be a better person, to dream big, care for others and to spread love and joy whenever I can.

I was reading through some quotes people made when they heard the news of Michael's passing. It is incredible to see the unity Michael brought to people even in their react to the news. There was an article that I really think captured the emotions of people who grew up with Michael Jackson. You can read it here. There are some sections of the article that I really relate to.

'There was a strange feeling that took my body completely hostage when I heard those words. It's a year later and I still can't describe that feeling. The thought of Michael Joseph Jackson not being alive is completely implausible...But one thing remains consistent from generation to generation; we aren't supposed to live in a world without Michael Jackson.'

Those words really stuck a chord. I think it was evident that the world was in shock. This almost mythical figure was dead? It was almost incomprehensible.

Here are a selection of quote by celebrities that resonate with me.

"Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down. Though it ended way too soon, Michael's life was beautiful. Sure there was some sad times and maybe some questionable decisions on his part, but Michael Jackson accomplished everything he dreamed of. The more I think about Michael and talk about Michael the more I think that 'King of Pop' is not good enough. I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived." -Berry Gordy

"Michael Jackson lit the fuse that ignited the spirit of dance in us all. He gave us a song and a sweet melody that will never die. Now we all carry his legacy with joy and pride." - MC Hammer

"There is no one in the world like MJ. Never has been. Never will be. We all know him in one way or another. In some way he has touched us, been the voice of one of our sweetest memories. And what a wonderful, genuine, compassionate, soft-spoken giant so full of love. He gave us love, excitement, one-of-a-kind moments in a mundane world. I can't believe he won't be with us here on earth anymore. But long from now, when we are all dust, he will still never be forgotten. To the best that ever did it! You are loved, admired and respected forever." -Alicia Keys

"Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life. He made me believe in magic." -P Diddy

You can see the legacy of Michael Jackson through other performers in the music industry. There are three performances that really touch me, because you can see how how much genuine emotion is running through the performers. The first is Beyonce, who all throughout her 'I Am...' tour paid tribute to Michael. The second is Stevie Wonder, another musical legend, who speaks of his friendship and love of Michael. Stevie's performance at Michael Jackson's memorial was also very beautiful and moving. And the third is Janet Jackson's tribute at the 2009 VMA's. Combine the world's best choreographers who either worked with or were influenced by Michael and Michael's sister Janet and you get an explosive performance! A fitting tribute.

Earlier this year I wrote a blog in response to an article 'Michael Jackson & Proper Emotions'. In it I tried to give a sense what Michael Jackson meant to me. I can not full articulate exactly how The King of Pop has influenced and impacted my life but below is a section which touches the surface.

'I personal felt, and still feel to some degree, what can be defined as grief over the passing of Michael Jackson. I was not a 'superfan' I just loved MJ's music and moves. I never had any merchandise, never read any articles, never followed what he was doing professionally or personally unless a single or album was out. But Michael Jackson was a constant throughout my life. My household was never musical, the radio never played, but the only albums we ever played in the household was Michael Jackson. Lest we forget that Jackson's career started when my mother was a girl watching The Jackson 5 with my grandmother.

In my childhood everyone wanted to be Michael Jackson. There was a magical quality to this man who's talents knew no abounds. Just when you thought you had seen it all MJ would pull something new and sensational out the bag. He was still thrilling people in the This Is It rehearsals, until the few hours before his death. In my primary school dances the highlight was always when Michael Jackson would come on and the whole school stopped to surround a boy named Freedom as we watched as he performed the entrancing and magical movements of Michael Jackson.

I will admit in the years after the 'History' album I lost interest somewhat. I didn't follow was was going on. This changed once I heard in 2008 that at some point Michael Jackson would be doing a residency at the O2. I knew I would do anything to get to see what would be the greatest show on earth by the best performer in the world. That inner child wanted it's childhood fantasy accomplished. I knew I would be dazzled and the thought of the atmosphere in that arena with 20,000 watching Jackson perform is still enough to give me goosebumps. Alas this was never to be.

On hearing of MJ's passing the first few days I was filled with a sense of wonderment of just what an incredible impact he had had on people. On 26th June 2009 every single shop, car and headphone was blasting out Jackson classics. It was such a great emotion to know we were all celebrating a life that we had received such pleasure and entertainment from.

In the few weeks afterward was when I started to feel grief. Grief for the loss of great talent. Sadness for a man that never really got to feel true happiness and satisfaction. A man who seemed to have it all but still carried an overwhelming sense of sadness and loneliness about him. Heartache for his children, far to young to lose their only parent. And a sadness for the loss of my childhood.

To me Michael Jackson is much more than a great singer and performer. He was the best. He is what everyone strives to be. He made songs that touched the soul, his moves defied logic and caused that childlike feeling of excitement of when we see something magical, his humanitarian work and altruism is inspirational and reminds me that I am not what life is all about - to look outside myself, help others and remember L.O.V.E. He overcame adversity again and again. He is the prime example of an underdog, a figure that people always stand behind. He conducted himself with grace and dignity no matter what was thrown at him. And most importantly he brought people together. He broke down barriers not just in music and dance but in society, in race relations, in environmental issues. He taught me how to be a better person. He was the last fantastical figure of my childhood that remained, unlike santa or faeries who disappeared long ago, and now that image was shattered as I realised he wasn't invincible, he was flesh and blood like the rest of us and ultimately perishable. And that is why I grieve for Michael Jackson. '

“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” 

And although today will be sad it is also a day to celebrate the life and genius of Michael Jackson. There still is no other artist that unites people as much as MJ. Throw on 'Don't Stop Til You Get Enough' and everyone will be on their feet! I went to see Thriller Live two days ago and usually the audience are told to get up and dance during certain parts of the show. But at this performance the audience didn't need telling! From halfway though the second half everyone was up on their feet dancing and singing along! It was an amazing atmosphere and it really touched me just how much love there is for Michael Jackson. 

Not only was he the most incredible musician, dancer and entertainer he was also a philanthropist and humanitarian and this is the reason I have so much love and respect for this man. He reminded to people to look outside yourself and care for others, and that really had an impact on me and how I live my life today. 

So although there are times that will be sad I feel it is most important to celebrate! Celebrate the joyous music and the glorious dance! Celebrate the heightened awareness of issues and love that Michael spread! Celebrate the unity he brought to people! 

For all the times we forgot to say it, for all the times we took you for granted, for all the love you put out, I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything you did and the happiness you continue to evoke.  We love you Michael!

Now bust a move and give me a heehee!

“And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.”