Paris 2024 Paralympics to End with Massive Dance Party at Stade de France

The highly anticipated concluding event of the 2024 Paralympics in Paris will take a unique turn with a massive dance party, as confirmed by Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening and closing ceremonies. Set to unfold at the Stade de France on Sunday, this celebration will witness 24 DJs delivering pulsating techno and dance music as a fitting finale to the Paralympic Games.

Transforming Stade de France into a Dance Extravaganza

Jolly's vision for the closing event is nothing short of revolutionary, as he aims to transmute the Stade de France into the largest dance floor, heralding the culmination of the Paralympics. In an interview with The Associated Press, Jolly stated, "We want to turn the Stade de France into the biggest dance floor to celebrate the end of the Paralympics." This audacious plan promises an electrifying atmosphere, immersing attendees in an unparalleled celebration of achievement and unity.

Inclusivity at the Heart of the Celebration

Following the precedent set during the Paralympic opening ceremony, which prominently featured artists with disabilities and dancers utilizing crutches or wheelchairs, the closing ceremony will embrace an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Jolly emphasized that "The dance floor will be open for all," ensuring that all attendees, regardless of physical ability, can fully participate in the festivities. The celebration will also feature "choreographic sequences that will showcase the body," further promoting a message of inclusiveness and artistic expression.

A Year of Creative Endeavors for Thomas Jolly

For Thomas Jolly, the 42-year-old theater director, the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paralympics marks the culmination of an eventful year characterized by relentless creative endeavors. After orchestrating the widely praised yet occasionally criticized opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics held on the Seine River on July 26, his focus now shifts to delivering an unforgettable closing ceremony for the Paralympics. Jolly's commitment to his craft is evident, as he devoted two and a half years solely to the creation of the ceremonies, undertaking meticulous preparations often shrouded in secrecy.

Facing Criticism and Controversy with Resilience

The artistic director's journey has not been devoid of challenges, as the Olympic ceremonies were not without controversy. Following the opening ceremony<, Jolly and his family faced a deluge of online harassment, including death threats and discriminatory attacks. Despite receiving support from French political leaders and overcoming these adversities, Jolly remained steadfast in his commitment to the original artistic vision, asserting, "Nothing was changed, and nothing should have been changed." His resilience in the face of adversity underscores a unwavering dedication to his craft and artistic integrity.

As Jolly wraps up this monumental chapter in his career, he contemplates writing a book chronicling his experiences during the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies. Reflecting on the magnitude of the Olympic opening ceremony, he acknowledged, "I don’t think I’ll ever have an audience like that (of the Olympic opening ceremony) again in my life." Nevertheless, he remains grounded in his artistic roots, emphasizing the significance of even the most intimate theatrical experiences, stating, "There are also important things that can happen in a 50-seat theater." This perspective showcases Jolly's multifaceted artistic vision, as he prepares to transition back to his theatrical endeavors.