Opening ceremony rehearsal awes spectators
Last Updated: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 | 2:51 PM ET
CBC News
The rehearsal for the Olympics' opening ceremony involved the first test of the massive security screening operation outside the stadium. (CBC)Thousands of spectators got a sneak peek of the Olympics' opening ceremony in Vancouver at a dress rehearsal Monday night, but most were tight-lipped about what they saw.
The lively crowd streaming out of BC Place in downtown Vancouver after the rehearsal had been warned by Olympic organizers to keep the details of the performance secret, but most said it was spectacular.
Some did reveal the 2½-hour show featured Vancouver singer Sarah McLachan, performers flying through the air on harnesses, fiddlers and tap dancers. Others have said the inside of the 60,000-seat stadium has been transformed.
'A little top secret — a very cool snowboarding move — but you have to watch the opening ceremonies to see it.'—Anonymous audience member
"We were sitting about 10 rows up. It was pretty impressive. It featured a bunch of different seasons, started with a bit of the native and aboriginal vibe of Canada, and then moved on…. I think it might give China a little run for their money," said one spectator, who preferred to remain anonymous, referring to the 2008 Beijing Summer Games.
The rehearsal didn't include the lighting of the torch, but last week, VANOC officials confirmed one performer was injured while performing some sort of skiing or snowboarding aerial manoeuvre inside the covered stadium.
Most spectators would not reveal what they saw at the rehearsal. (CBC) Audience members hinted that part of the performance was back on track.
"A little top secret — a very cool snowboarding move — but you have to watch the opening ceremonies to see it," said another.
Most of the spectators at Monday night's rehearsal were the friends and family of performers, who were given tickets to distribute for the show.
The next rehearsal is on Wednesday when the stadium will be filled with thousands of Olympic volunteers given tickets last week.
The opening ceremonies go for real on Friday, starting at 6 p.m. PT. The Games will run from Feb. 12 to 28.
The nearby Cambie Street Bridge will be closed from noon to midnight on Wednesday and Friday, and for the closing ceremony on Feb. 28.
