EXCLUSIVE: Legendary choreographer Arlene Phillips opens up to us about everything from life as a grandmother to her headline-grabbing Strictly Come Dancing sacking
At 80 years old and with more than 50 years in showbiz under her belt, it’s a joy to discover that dance queenFlanked by eight partially-dressed, six-foot-something male dancers as she promotes the return of her dramatic stage production House of Flamenka with the show’s star Karen Ruimy, it’s clear to see that the choreographer and TV favourite hasn’t lost her ability to demand every inch of the spotlight.
“It’s somewhat incredible to have received a damehood because it was the last thing I expected,” she blushes. “I was just this young girl from Manchester who desperately wanted to be a performer. I never imagined I’d be honoured in any way for my work, let alone with a damehood. “The girls laughed at how ridiculous it was that their mum was to be a dame, and they cried because of how moved they were,” she recalls, “but no one in my house calls me a dame – most people don’t, actually – so I doubt my family ever think about it!”Conversation turns to another celebration Arlene has recently enjoyed with her loved ones – her 80th birthday – and we’re desperate to know the secret of how the “First Lady of Dance” is able to stay so youthful.
“But there’s no pressure on them at all, they won’t be going to dance school every day. I didn’t push my own daughters into dance, so I wouldn’t do that with my grandchildren.”Arlene – who is joined on our exclusive shoot by the entire cast of House of Flamenka, is clearly thrilled at being kept on her toes by this dramatic production. And the energy of the performances is certainly something to be celebrated, agrees dancer Karen.
“They strip the colour out of her life, so the second act is all about her redemption. It’s a very dramatic contrast from the beginning. Through hard work, she redeems herself, and the colour returns. Party time is back!” Karen chimes in extolling the spirit of the show, saying, “This project has been unlike anything else I’ve worked on because it is making flamenco accessible to those who aren’t familiar with its incredible traditions.
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