Spectators during the opening ceremony of the Olympics in BC Place. (Gerry Broome/Associated Press)

Métis, First Nations and other aboriginal performers made the most of their experiences during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

Winnipeg's Thomas Parenteau, who wore traditional Métis garb while square dancing and jigging, said there was no feeling like the one he experienced being cheered on by some 80,000 people in BC Place.

"All I can describe it as, was mind-blowing," Parenteau said. "There no other feeling like it. Being in front of that many people cheering. It was awesome."

'I was crazy excited.'—First Nations dancer Jacob Pratt

Parenteau shared the spotlight Friday night with 350 dancers, including Jacob Pratt, a First Nations dancer from Regina.

"I was completely pumped," Pratt said of his experience. "We've been working up to this for two weeks. It was a lot of hard work.

"We've been doing 16-hour days," he added. "Rehearsing and practising and everything else. So I was just excited. I was crazy excited."

Parenteau said he received about 40 text messages and emails from friends and family who spotted him dancing on the television coverage.

"I can't explain it, I'm so proud to be Métis," Parenteau said. "I'm proud to be aboriginal, and I thank whoever was in charge of this for letting us be a part of it, and it's amazing."

Parenteau returns to Winnipeg on Sunday. Before he leaves Vancouver he has plans to take in the Aboriginal Pavilion and watch the Canadian women's hockey team play.