Every two years, a new interpretation of the ancient Greek flame ceremony takes place at the birthplace of the Olympic Games in southern Greece. The event, which takes place at Olympia every two years for the Winter and Summer Games, features forty-eight performers chosen for their resemblance to youths in antiquity. The 30-minute performance is fine-tuned and kept secret until a public rehearsal on Monday. The all-volunteer Olympic performers snatch poses from ancient vases and repeat sequences under the direction of head choreographer Artemis Ignatiou. The ceremony, first held for the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, has evolved over the decades with new ingredients such as music, choreography, costumes, male performers known as "kouroi" and subtle style inclusions. Critics have criticized the dresses and tunics worn by the performers, which are styled to resemble ancient Greek columns. Organizers hope the attire will create a more positive impression when witnessed at the ruins of ancient Olympia.
