EBU-IMZ Awardee Alexander Ekman choregraphs Paralympics Opening Ceremony

If you tuned in to the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Wednesday, you had the chance to witness a bold celebration of dance, unity, and inclusivity, choreographed by Alexander Ekman, the acclaimed Swedish choreographer and winner of last year’s EBU-IMZ Outstanding Achievement Award.

Renowned for his innovative and cerebral style, Ekman, born in Stockholm in 1984, has built a global reputation through collaborations with esteemed dance companies such as the Göteborg Ballet and the Sydney Dance Company.

The Paris 2024 ceremony, titled "Paradoxe," was staged at the Place de la Concorde and featured 140 dancers, including 16 performers with disabilities. The name "Paradoxe" was chosen to acknowledge the often paradoxical reality that Paralympic athletes experience—being celebrated as heroes one day, only to return to everyday lives filled with discrimination and inaccessibility.

Before starting work on the project, Ekman conducted extensive research, including interviews with people with disabilities, to ensure the ceremony conveyed meaningful messages about the position of disabled people in our society. The event aimed to challenge perspectives and celebrate the achievements of Paralympic athletes while also acknowledging the challenges they face in daily life.

The production, which blended live music with artistic experimentation, was a grand celebration of diversity and unity. Ekman, with his history of creating dynamic and surprising performances, delivered a ceremony that not only entertained but also inspired and educated the global audience.