European Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2010 – Opening & Medal Ceremonies
‘Contract 8’ is the number of the document that approved the building of Birmingham’s iconic landmark Spaghetti Junction, and it was Spaghetti’s distinct ‘form and function’ that inspired the Opening Ceremony for this European Championship. Called ‘Contract 8,’ the ceremonies featured 120 dancers from every region of the West Midlands.
Over a period of 6 months dna3d worked with 9 different groups, each with their own group leader, to develop a piece divided into five sections which was performed over four different stages – a continuous flowing, interweaving, interconnecting performance of dance and music. Contract 8 challenged the fitness and stamina of all dancers with some covering up to two miles whilst performing.
This proved a very challenging project. Just as the Championships were about to commence the ‘Ash Cloud’ grounded all flights. After 6 months of work there was a danger the Opening Ceremony would be cancelled, as competition schedules were constantly altered to accommodate an evolving situation.
The determination of all prevailed and a memorable Opening Ceremony and Championship finally got underway only one day late!
In addition to producing ‘Contract 8’ from concept to realisation, dna3d also project managed and produced all medal presentations throughout the two weeks of competition.
