Ekman has already met with many Paralympic athletes to prepare for the show, as he confirmed to AFP. When asked about the expectations, the Swedish dancer commented, "Art can be used as a vector for our messages," expressing optimism about delivering a beautiful performance to the audience.

When asked to define himself, Ekman quickly responds with "showman." He envisions this three-hour performance by 150 dancers, with twenty of them having disabilities, as an "excursion that combines art and fun." He aims to celebrate and embrace the classicism of the historic square with modern and theatrical choreography.

Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, is confident that the ceremony will be "a real success" to perfectly open the first Paralympic Games to be held in France.

"What we have seen is very promising," says Estanguet, a triple Olympic canoeing champion in his youth. A cocktail of modernity, emotion, humor, and grand spectacle, carefully prepared for the entertainment of the audience. And, above all, for that "strong message of inclusion" that the event aims to convey, adds the official.

"When you can combine art and politics, it's something incredible," Ekman continued, hoping to make the opening event "festive and political." Additionally, when asked about people with disabilities, the Swede opened up about his thoughts.

"In the past year, I have learned a lot about people with disabilities, about the stigmatisation they suffer, and the challenges they have to overcome," commented Ekman, working with them for the first time: "They are extraordinary. They are more capable than some people without disabilities, both mentally and physically," he assured.

"The Paralympic Games are important because they offer a goal, to compete and move forward," concluded the dancer, who is not nervous but rather optimistic and happy about the great challenge ahead: "I want completely crazy projects."