Olympic Stadium rocks to samba beat as Rio give us taste of what to expect in 2016

By Tom Degun at the Olympic Stadium in London

September 9 - While Rio 2016 looked to avoid the stereotype in the handover segment of the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony, they made no such restrictions here tonight at its Paralympic counterpart as Brazilian samba set this Stadium alight.

After Mayor of London Boris Johnson reluctantly handed the Paralympic Flag to International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Sir Philip Craven, it was passed to the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes, signalling the start of the a joyful and colourful eight minute artistic segment.

Rio 2016 Mayor Eduardo Paes waves the Paralympic Flag after receiving it from IPC President Sir Philip Craven

It was introduced by a 44 second film on the show's main concept "Alegria" ("Joy") which showed Brazilian Paralympic athletes in action on the stunning beaches of Rio.

The main segment then involved three "dance battles" in three distinctive musical performances inspired by a cultural phenomenon known as "Funk do Passinho" - an updated blend of American break-dance and Brazilian rhythms which has spread around the Rio favelas and other communities of the city.

The competition between the "dancing crews" caused the other two battles involving popular Brazilian regional dances: Parafuso, Frevo, Samba, Capoeira and a European inspired dance, classical ballet.

They celebrated the diversity of the different Brazilian cultures and how they fuse together to create stronger, better communities.

The musical performances in between them brought to London three very popular Brazilian musical stars: Carlinhos Brown, Os Paralamas do Sucesso and Thalma de Freitas, with the later of the trio closing the segment.

Artists representing Rio 2016 perform during the London 2012 Closing Ceremony

De Freitas's perfored of É Hoje with Carlinhos Brown, dressed as the iconic Carioca figure Carmen Miranda as Brazilian Paralympians Daniel Dias and Adria Santos entered the stage to unveil to the audience the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games logo.

The logo doubled as an invitation to the world to come and have a great time in Rio in four years' time in a wonderfully constructed segment from the show's artistic directors Cao Hamburger and Daniela Thomas.

"It makes everyone in Rio and Brazil very proud to receive the Paralympic Flag from our friends here in London," said Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman.

"With our presentation in the London 2012 Paralympic Closing Ceremony, we have given a taste of how the Games in Rio in 2016 will be a joyful experience for the world.

"We will ensure the great work here in London to promote inclusivity, accessibility and the great sport of the Paralympic Games will continue in Rio."

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