Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony (in pictures, part 2)

The United States team made a colorful entrance into the stadium. James Hill for The New York Times

Russia Opens Sochi Games With Pageantry and Pride (part 1)

The athletes from Russia marched in to thunderous applause in Fisht Olympic Stadium. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Performers defied gravity during the ceremony. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Athlete marshals with glowing LED lights in their costumes created a Russian flag. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

A girl was pulled by a kite during a number called “Voices of Russia.” Doug Mills/The New York Times

Glowing roller bladers during the “Olympic Gods” section. James Hill for The New York Times

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia waved to the crowd. Doug Mills/The New York Times

A military group sang in the preshow. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Lena Katina of t.A.T.u performs during the opening ceremony. Doug Mills/The New York Times

Snowflakes transformed into four Olympic rings during the ceremony. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Fisht Olympic Stadium, the centerpiece of the newly constructed Olympic complex. Doug Mills/The New York Times

A crowd of 40,000 filled Fisht Olympic Stadium. Doug Mills/The New York TimesAdd caption

Fans waited to enter Fisht Olympic Stadium on Friday. Doug Mills/The New York Times

People began streaming into the stadium before the ceremony. Doug Mills/The New York Times