London 2012 | Summer Olympics opening ceremony

Dancers with light bars perform during the the opening ceremony.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A spire of torches burns in the center of Olympic Stadium as the official flame is lit to begin the London 2012 Olympics.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A performer is encased in a translucent ball during the opening ceremonies.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Two-time Olympic champion fencer Mariel Zagunis holds the American flag as members of the United States Olympic team participate in the opening ceremonies of London 2012.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A segment on rock music is part of the festivities at Olympic Stadium.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Team USA members ham it up for their cameras as they enter Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Paul McCartney vamps on stage as he performs “Hey Jude” to close the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics at Olympic Park.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Fireworks light up Olympic Stadium during during the opening ceremony of London 2012.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The Olympic rings are assembled above Olympic Stadium at the opening ceremony Friday.  (Lars Baron / Getty Images)

The opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games.  (Paul Gilham / Getty Images)

Performers go through their paces during the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics.  (Hannibal / EPA)

Actors (and fowl) perform during the opening ceremony Friday at the 2012 Summer Olympics,  (Ivan Sekretarev / Associated Press)

Performers spread out on the field of Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony Friday.  (Morry Gash / Associated Press)

A fan shows her British pride at the opening ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics at Olympic Stadium on Friday.   (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

A fan holds a Mexican flag during opening ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics at Olympic Stadium.   (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Performers portray nurses during the opening ceremony of the London Olympics on Friday at Olympic Stadium.  (Ian Langsdon / EPA)

A scene from the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.  (Hannibal / EPA)

Taking part in the opening ceremony for the Olympics were the Chelsea Pensioners ¿ retirees from the British military.  (Kerim Okten / EPA)

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, enjoy the atmosphere during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.  (Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images)

A performer in the role of Queen Elizabeth II parachutes out of a helicopter hovering above the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony on Friday.  (Lars Baron / Getty Images)

The colors of the Union Jack flag are highlighted Friday during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.  (Kerim Okten / EPA)

Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the London Olympics on Friday.  (Ian Langsdon / Getty Images)

The Olympic rings glow above the stadium in a scene depicting the Industrial Revolution during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on Friday.  (Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images)

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics on Friday in London.  (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)

Dancers are seen in silhouette as they perform during the opening ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics on Friday.  (David Goldman / Associated Press)

An overview of Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Games in London on Friday.  (Ettore Ferrari / EPA)

Performers hold illuminated rods during the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics on Friday.  (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)

The opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.  (Chris McGrath / Getty Images)

Olympic Stadium glows blue and green during the opening ceremony on Friday.  (Ivan Sekretarev / Associated Press)