The ‘Golden Voyager’ Takes Service95 Behind The Scenes At The Olympics Closing Ceremony 

On the evening of 11 August 2024, an audience of 80,000 looked on as a man clad in an intricately embellished gold space suit was dramatically suspended in mid-air at Paris’ Stade de France. This ‘Golden Voyager’ made the 46m descent from the stadium’s roof, landing on a stylised version of planet Earth, where he planted a flag – symbolising the culmination of an extraordinary journey for Paris, the host of this year’s Olympic Games. 

This was all part of an interpretive dance performance centred on “the power of diversity and solidarity”, created and directed by Thomas Jolly for the Olympics closing ceremony. It featured more than 100 performers, acrobats, dancers and circus artists – with the captivating 32-year-old dancer, contortionist and model Arthur Cadre at its centre, in the lead role of the ‘Golden Voyager’.  

Cadre, who hails from Perros-Guirec, France, is no stranger to the spotlight, having made his mark in the fashion industry by modelling for major fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier and Jean Paul Gaultier. However, it is his work as a performer that has truly set him apart. Known for his unique ability to blend dance with extreme flexibility, Cadre has garnered recognition that extends far beyond the pages of editorial. His role in the closing ceremony was a testament to his versatility and artistic vision. 

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The ‘Golden Voyager’ Takes Service95 Behind The Scenes At The Olympics Closing Ceremony 

By Pia Brynteson 

08.08.2024

As the ‘Golden Voyager’, his movements, characterised by fluidity and precision, were designed to embody the themes of exploration and human potential that are central to the Olympic Games. The performance represented a journey of discovery, with Cadre transitioning through various stage environments – from starry skies to golden sands – all enhanced by an immersive display of lights that enveloped the entire arena. 

Here, Cadre offers Service95 a glimpse behind the scenes of this monumental moment in his career. From practising the dramatic aerial launch to perfecting the use of cameras mounted on his helmet to capture a ‘POV’ perspective, these backstage moments show a unique look at the process that brought this performance to life… 

Pia Brynteson is Content Editor at Service95