WITH up to two billion people watching worldwide, you would forgive anyone taking part in the Olympic opening ceremony tonight to be a little nervous.

But one woman from Laindon is fully focused on performing on the biggest stage there is as the 2012 Games get under way.

Michelle Hawkes, 44, a zumba instructor from Lower Dunton Road, Laindon, has been rehearsing for the occasion since March and is now fully prepared to strut her stuff in front of a global audience.

She said: “I am so happy to be taking part in such a grandstand day in world sport. “I have performed in front of crowds before, but this will be something else. My parents came to the final rehearsal as they were unable to get tickets for the stadium and they were blown away by the whole thing.”

Michelle was picked to perform after being spotted at a dance event in Chelmsford in January.

She said: “I have been rehearsing non-stop since I found out in March and rehearsals are often five hours long. “We have been moved from locations in London to Dagenham and finally the stadium itself. We have taken up two car parks before now with the number of cars from people taking part.”

She will join 10,000 other dancers in the ceremony, which is being orchestrated by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle. Although Michelle can’t give too much away, she will be part of a 17-minute dance routine with 1,400 other dancers, starting at 9.57pm, and will be wearing a pink sparkly dress.

She said Boyle’s presence during rehearsals has been invaluable.

She said: “The dancing is all synchronised perfectly and the entire ceremony is a wonder. Danny Boyle has been with us every step of the way and I think it will be spectacular.”

Michelle will also be taking part in the closing ceremony of the Paralympics Games on September 9.

The opening ceremony is on TV tonight and begins at 9pm.