I saw this hilarious article in the Financial Times about how Beijing is issuing an "Olympics Clapping Guide" to the party masses to ensure proper Olympic clapping etiquette.
Apparently the guide is supposed to help the spectators to cheer in a “smooth and civilised manner.†I didn't realize the Communists were quite so Victorian...
According to the organizing committee in Beijing, this clap training for the audience and cheerleaders would help to present a civilized image and improve the quality of the citizens so as to promote a more harmonious society.
Beijing had a team of experts design a "civilized stadium gesture." No, it's not the one finger salute which is what you would expect from any normal civilized country.
The civilized Communist stadium gesture starts off with some rhythmic clapping, followed by some double-thumbs up action and then -- watch out now -- the raising of the mighty Clenched Fists.
Add some perplexing Beijing vocals chanting "Olympics, add oil! China, add oil!" Apparently that's the same as saying "Go Olympics, Go China!" Hmm...
According to the magnanimous organizers, this style of clapping and chanting "can be accepted and appreciated by people of any culture or language," even the "religious believers and disabled people." Glad to know that they include those two groups in the same category.
Overall the government wants to use their Olympic hosting opportunity as an exercise in process improvement for their citizens. There seems to be a rash of bad habits forming such as poor sportsmanship, spitting, and *horrors* cutting in line.
For more article details see Beijing Issues Olympics Clapping Guide.
In the meantime, if you need any clapping related lessons just check out what's available on eBay. 
