Paralympic closing ceremony to transform Stade de France into dance floor

The Paralympic closing ceremony in Paris is set to feature a massive dance party, as promised by Thomas Jolly, the artistic director responsible for the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies. This event aims to celebrate the conclusion of the games at the Stade de France, transforming it into an inclusive dance floor for all attendees. Jolly's vision mirrors the opening ceremony, which highlighted the talents of artists with disabilities and showcased dancers using crutches and wheelchairs. Jolly, who has dedicated over two years to preparing for the ceremonies, faced significant backlash following a controversial scene during the opening ceremony. This included accusations of mockery towards the Catholic Church, leading to social media harassment and a hate speech investigation. Despite the criticism, Jolly received support from prominent political figures, including President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and he maintained that the controversy did not alter the planned ceremonies. The preparations for the events have been conducted largely in secrecy, with many rehearsals taking place at night due to the daytime athletics competitions at the Stade de France. Jolly expressed that he has not had the opportunity to celebrate or reflect on the ceremonies yet, as he remains focused on delivering a memorable closing event. Looking ahead, Jolly is contemplating writing a book about his experiences during the Olympics and Paralympics, acknowledging the unique audience he encountered during the opening ceremony. He emphasized the importance of smaller theatrical performances, suggesting that impactful moments can occur in any setting, regardless of size.