Auditions for Rio 2016 Ceremonies -- Photodesk

(ATR) Auditions for dancers needed for the opening and closing ceremonies for the Rio 2016 Games will go through Dec. 4.

On Nov. 21Around the Ringsvisited the process where the organizing committee was auditioning hip-hop dancers. The only other style of dance revealed was that dancers who could skateboard would be auditioning on Nov. 22.

Overall, 12,000 dancers will be selected from the audition process to partake in the opening and closing ceremonies.

For Director of Ceremonies Leonardo Caetano, finding people who can dance is only one part of the challenge in the auditions. Organizers are also looking for people who can carry large objects, for example, and for "people who "have the spirit to be part of a ceremony like this."

"I think that’s the challenge of any committee because creativity has no limits," Caetano said to ATR.

"We are working with our original plan, the full creative thing and we are trying to find out ways to deliver that dream with our budget."

Caetano said he wants the ceremonies to connect with the people of Rio, the people of Brazil, and the people of Latin America to represent a region that is hosting the Olympic Games for the first time. He assured that all peoples, cultures, and those of different socioeconomic statuses will "find themselves" in the ceremonies, fostering a connection with the messages.

One of the tryouts was Luciana Chave Monteiro, a dance instructor in the city. She had held that role for the past 10 years.

"I danced in the opening ceremonies of the 2007 Pan American Games, so I wanted to try out for this," Monteiro said to ATR.

Click here to view a photodesk from the auditions.

Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro

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