Dancers of all abilities audition for Winter Paralympics 2010 ceremonies

From Metro News in Vancouver, Canada. In the picture, Assistant dance coach Joe Tremblay leads an audition at the Vancouver Olympic Centre yesterday for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympics.

They’ve got spirit, yes they do — some 300 hopeful dancers hit the floor at the Vancouver Olympic Centre Oct. 25 to prove they can make the 2010 Paralympic ceremonies a success.

“I’ve worked on lots of auditions over the years and I told the folks coming out today that this was the most fun I’ve had in a long time,” said Patrick Roberge, the ceremonies’ executive producer.

People of all ages and abilities showed up at the auditions ready to bust a move.

Head choreographer Jocelyn Peden said she was looking for performers with heart and enthusiasm. Dance steps, she said, can always be taught later.

The opening and closing ceremonies will involve 4,000 performers in total. About 300 of those performers will be volunteers from the general public.

While they cannot match the spectacle of the Olympic opening and closing festivities, Roberge said, the Paralympic ceremonies will take a more participatory, authentic approach.

“That’s what I think will make this show great, is that we have all walks of life, and they’re all coming together for one purpose to create a celebration that’s going to welcome the Paralympians … like no other country’s done in the past.”