Did anyone else get an audition for the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony?

I think there was someone else volunteering with staging who also hadn't had the email about tomorrow night- I wonder if they are doing it in sections? But it really might be worth phoning tomorrow- I was put straight through to Props/Staging team when I rang one morning a few weeks ago. I know a few people have had emails lost / not received.... Oh, and its 5.30pm tomorrow- I reckon a few people may be late as its tricky to leave work on time for most!

I'm from a samba dance background but alas, I very much doubt that any of us in the London 2012 segment will get the opportunity to use our skills I even asked my Casting Co-Ordinator who confirmed this. There are many of us on here who are from Latin dance background but we have had to accept that we will not be given the opportunity to show off our dance skills in the genres we're used to. That privilege (samba drumming and dancing) will be given to Brasil when they do their 8 minutes segment during the London Olympic's closing ceremony.

I know many "sambistas" who expressed disappointment in not having the opportunity for British samba bands and dancers to be involved in the Olympics.

If you look at it this way, during the Beijing Olympics closing ceremony, there's bound to be volunteers who can dance Bossa Nova, Lindy Hop and even street dance, who had to stand back and watch whilst British dancers performed these dance styles during the closing ceremony.

I am 99.9% certain that anything samba-related during the ceremonies will be performed by the next Olympic hosts.

I've learned to accept that I'll never get the opportunity to dance in the genre that I'm strong in (samba) and instead embrace the experience.

Yeah I kinda realised we wouldn't actually be doing it ourselves, but it will be fantastic to experience it

That's really cool that you are a samba dancer!! I had a lesson from a Brazillian lady while in Rio - I got the rhythm but not naturally being a dancer I think I'll stick to the drums!! I wan't to join a samba band now!

Well as some of the PROFESSIONAL actors & dancers will be paid a mere £600 for their time and efforts (see link below) I think, on balance, it is good news (for you at least if you can accommodate their rather short notice rehearsal schedule starting THIS weekend) but, from reading your post it seems as if you may have been advised about the possible dates required previously (unlike us DESERVES/RESERVES) so this should not be a problem for you if you have already set that time aside to do it. Go for it and enjoy I say ............... and congratulations too btw - a result of sorts I guess !

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/news/9189074/Danny-Boyles-budget-is-stretched-by-minimum-600-pay-for-every-Olympic-artiste.html

The image of a sexy Latin dancer in a red silky dress, tanned skin and a pair of fluffy bear slippers really did make me chuckle though!

I have my first rehearsal this Saturday 2-7. I am in group 49C, anyone else in this group too?

My son has exactly the same rehearsal time as you. He's 49D - look out for Kieran.

The image of a sexy Latin dancer in a red silky dress, tanned skin and a pair of fluffy bear slippers really did make me chuckle though!

Yep that's me - and I still have no information from them! I emailed them earlier today but haven't received a response. I'll call them tomorrow just before lunch if I haven't already heard anything.

From my calculations, 49 sounds like a HUGE segment (A to D). Are you guys drumming as can't remember?

Then I got an e-mail saying there were problems processing some applications and to bring ID. It was adressed 'dear all' so obviously not just me. If you are waiting to hear I would definitely call or e-mail as there are obviously some admin problems.

there will be a buffet

I emailed them yesterday and just got a reply (the same email 4 times!) to say I have been selected as an understudy for a 'Dance role in spectacular ceremony sequence'. Rehearsals start this Saturday am, group 49B.
A bit of a kick in the teeth, although glad I was recognised for my dancing rather than 'acting' skills. Now to decide if I should go to all rehearsals knowing I may still not get to perform - is anyone else in the same boat?
Good luck to all those who haven't heard!

Been to Rio total of 8 times. Visited Sao Paulo and Bahia. Whilst in Rio, danced in the Carnaval in the famous sambadrome with one of the samba schools at one of the Carnavals which was a very emotional experience for me as I achieved my dream out there. Also played percussion in one of the street blocos. The last time I went, I visited Bahia and did a couple of dance classes out there and it was amazing. Dancing in bear feet in the warm tropical heat was a brilliant experience. That was several years ago. My other half's never been to Brasil and keeps saying that he wants to travel over there. Should I go over there again, I'd like to return to Bahia and maybe visit Natal and Recife. (Not really in a hurry to go back to Rio tbh).

Blimey, all this is beginning to sound like "The Holiday Programme"

I'm pretty damn excited