A Brazil of colors and rhythms, proud of its roots and achievements, will be introduced to the world on 12 August in the symbolic Olympic Flag Handover during the London 2012 Olympic Ceremony. The show will be presented by 225 performers of several nationalities in eight minutes – including 31 Brazilians, an invitation to the first edition of the world’s biggest sport event to be staged in South America.

The artists have been rehearsing since July. Over the last three weeks, the preparation pace has been intensified and, in the past few days, rehearsals are held on a daily basis at locations that are distant from London’s central area, in total secrecy. At the final stages before the great moment, the space chosen is similar to that where they will perform at the Stadium’s lawn area.

“This is a unique experience in my life. I was very pleased to know that I have been selected. Now, a few days before the great day, we are rehearsing in a place that resembles the location where we will perform; some performers are partially dressed with the costumes, and feel butterflies in their stomachs. Let’s hold a big party and show the world that it’s our time now. “We will stage the best Games ever”, says Fred Heinrich, a São Paulo’s dancer who has been living in Great Britain for four years, and was one of the performers selected among approximately 800 applicants.

The costumes, signed by stylist and artist Jum Nakao, were produced in Rome, Milan, London and Rio de Janeiro.  A large part of the costumes was not yet seen by the dancers.

English in the samba

The party will be attended by representatives of all Brazilian regions, the Amazon, Indian traditions from the South region and European immigration. From Bahia, percussionists and capoeira players, and the Southeast, home of the bossa nova. The Brazilian cultural diversity will be showcased.

“This is an unforgettable experience, and we are all very anxious, excited and looking forward to present the show.  Actually, we are looking forward to 2016, as Brazilians are good hosts who love to be close to their guests. I will be there in 2016, for sure, and will Always remember what I experienced here”, celebrates Bahia’s Luis Alberto de Santana, the Vagalume capoeira player and member of the “Balé Folclórico da Bahia” group.

Dancers from other countries were selected based on their connection to the Brazilian art. They bring the people union spirit of the Olympic Movement for a green-and-yellow show in the essence, which is above any flag when it comes to values.

“We don’t have much time, only eight minutes and several choreographies, and this is quite challenging for us. We had many rehearsal sessions, and struggled to arrive and present a great show. Many people from different European countries came just to watch it. And Brazilians, off course, are very proud to represent their country. As a samba dancer in London, I also feel glad to represent the Brazilian culture”, concludes Chris Smith, a London dancer.

The flag handover ceremony is produced by the Cerimônias Cariocas 2016 consortium, formed by the Italian event, advertising and TV holding Film Master Group and Brazilian large event producers SRCOM. The consortium was appointed through a selection process as the executive production company for live ceremonies and major events at the Rio 2016™ Games. In addition to the Olympic and Paralympic flag handover ceremonies, they will also produce the Rio 2016™ Olympic and Paralympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies.