The Olympic roller-coaster

Egypt hosted Special Olympics 2014 of Middle-Eastern and North-African region. I got a rare change to organize the entertainment part of the opening ceremony. The whole event was a huge collaboration of the best in the field of LD-screens, audio-visual designers, construction workers, laser-and fire show guys, dancers and so many more. What really gave the whole event an unexpected twist was news that we got 24 hour prior to the opening - president Sisi will be attending the party! The rumor had been circulating within organizers for a week, but no-one believed it would happen. I myself have danced in many governmental celebrations, where they always say he will show up, but never does. Well this time he came, but i will get to that later.

As for my role, I had to manage a 100 dancers to be in the right time in a right place, all dressed and ready. 80 were folkloric dancers from Reda and Kaomeya and other theaters and 20 ballet students from Ballet Institue. I also attended to a few rehearsals the week before and it was bit awkward experience. You see, I've always been dancing side by side with these people in different occasions, but this time I was their supervisor. After they realized Im on a different position this time, they actually treated me with so much respect I was pretty blown away.

In the opening entertainment part had 3 dances: pop-dance to Tamer Hosny's song, a pharaonic song and final "Watani Habibi", which is an old patriotic army song. During the show I had to coordinate the timing of dancers entrances and exits with music, screen videos and lightning, but also the egyptian superstar Tamer Hosny. Quite a massive challenge, but I had a great team around me!

I didn't even see when Tamer arrived, the first time I spotted him was when a busy loud group started to form on the side of the stadium, an hour before opening. I thought there is a fight happening, but no, it was everyone trying to get a photo with him. Only then did I see him, a short guy with purple leather jacket trying to survive in the middle of the circle. His body-guards for some reason were late and there was just one big guy from our team hugging him, meaning, protecting him from the attacking mass of

with Tamer

fans. And let me explain, everyone is a fan in Egypt. Pop-stars are loved by all Egyptians, even if not all of them are fans of his music, EVERYONE loves a famous face and needs a photo or two.
After a few minutes his 6 body-guards arrived and made a protective circle around him behind the stage. I think his private room was just being set up for him. I knew I had to talk to Tamer and go though his show with dancers, how on earth would I fight through all these hysteric fans. Then I saw the big guy from our team (he is close friends to Tamer) and asked him for help, he took my hand and led me through the crowd into the circle. I met Tamer, introduced myself, had a quick talk. He was really co-operative and friendly and when we finished I got a photo too:) When I left him more crying girls had arrived.

Let me jump back in time. In the morning of the opening when I arrived to the stadium in a car we had some early warning signs that president might actually come. The big highway next to the stadium was being cleaned, flowers were being hung on street lights and new patriotic posters taped on side-

Armed security

boards. After a while everything went smooth and normal in the stadium, the opening was supposed to start at 5.30 PM, the news broke at 12.00, when "the men in black" arrived, about 30 highly-armed guys were spread all around the stadium, some of them snipers, some personal body-quard, some i don't even know who. Shortly after that the army helicopter started circling the skies across us, in a few hours time many groups of army and police arrived, they were surrounding the whole stadium and scanning it both in- and outside for possible threats. This meant all action on stage was stopped. Also they closed all entrances, no-one could get in or out. By that time all my 100 dancers had arrived, but their leader with all the costumes was late and could not get in. The tensions were rising!

500 cheerleaders

Right after the gates were opened again a huge horde of colorfully dressed guys poured into the seating area. I think like 500 men, they were hired cheerleaders, as soon as they sat down drums came out and military-sport-patriotic chants and songs started! It was awesome, so powerful it gave me goose pumps! After a while the religious VIP's started arriving, all dressed in representative islamic robes, they took their seats in the VIP area outdoors, more and more quests

Sisi on lower lever in center

started arriving. Stadium screens were on the look-out for the main gate, the one that president Sisi was supposed to come through. Minutes were ticking. And then he came! Exited his car, greeted by other high military generals and a few chosen sportsmen. For us, the team, it meant that we are about to start, the last man in in and we cannot be late in opening after he takes his seat. His seat was high above the stadium behind a bullet-proof glass.

And then we started! Militaty marching band, followed by entrances of 15 arabic counties, followed by speeches and oaths, elevation of flags, Koran, lighting of the torch and massive fireworks and laser show. Time was ticking for me to get to work.

I decided I will go and let Tamer know he has to be on stage in 10 min. I had no idea where was his

private room. I saw the big guy from our team and before I could even open my mouth he told me: "Are you looking for Tamer? I had to hide him to a safe place. He is now under the stage!" So the safest place in the stadium in not the bullet-broof glass box, but a quiet 1,5m opening under the stage :)

Everything went like oiled! Dancers did their job well and so did Tamer. Looking at the dance broadcast video online the generals and Sisi look dead serious, guess it's strict military protocols he still follows.

100 dancers dressed in egyptian flag colors

Looking at the whole show from the sidelines made me think how powerful egyptian army really is and how distant their president is from the people. I remembered our estonian summer dance festivals where the president sits in open air next to other people, VIP's or common folk, gives a speech in front of his people, not behind a glass, smiles, talks, claps and enjoys the show from beginning to the end. I hope Estonian president knows just how free he really is.

After the show I got a ride home. When I called our Olympics team from home they told me they are still waiting in the stadium to get out. Army closed all roads because Sisi was still there, having a dinner, reception and who know what else. How did i get out?? When I exited the stadium going towards the car I saw all dancers and sport teams sitting and waiting on road sides, I didn't even question it then. There must have been a 2 second loophole when the army was not at the gates and we just drove out. How lucky was I! Otherwise I should have sat and waited there for hours, as did all the VIP's, organizers and participants.

Here is the fabulous team who made everything happen:

Organizing team