Arlene Philips: From Dance Troupe to Hollywood and Beyond
Arlene Phillips, born in 1943 in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, is a renowned choreographer known for her iconic contributions to the UK dance scene. As a child, she was already deeply involved in dance classes, and her passion led her to eventually establish Hot Gossip, a dance troupe that gained both recognition and criticism for their provocative choreography on shows like The Kenny Everett Video Show. Phillips’s career expanded further into stage and music, where she choreographed blockbuster musicals like Starlight Express and Grease, as well as iconic music videos such as Tina Turner’s “Private Dancer,” Duran Duran’s “The Wild Boys,” and Freddie Mercury’s “I Was Born To Love You.”
Her expertise and talent even led her to become a judge on the popular show Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2008. Since then, she has diversified her ventures by writing children’s books, appearing on I’m A Celebrity, and receiving a damehood in 2021. Currently, Phillips is co-creating and directing House of Flamenka, a show to be held at the Peacock Theatre in London from 17-28 October.
In a photograph taken during the time she was choreographing Village People’s musical comedy film, Can’t Stop the Music, Phillips can be seen wearing a simple red leotard, adorned with vibrant red lips and hair. This moment was pivotal for her, as she had just discovered her pregnancy with her first child while also embarking on a demanding project. Despite the magnitude of the situation, she was not worried about her career because she had the support of the film’s producer, Allan Carr. He allowed her to take a short break to have her baby, and the production team provided assistance along the way, including a meditation guru to keep her calm during travels. Phillips was able to return to work two weeks after giving birth, with her baby always close by.
Reflecting on her journey, Phillips recounts the early days of Hot Gossip in 1974, when they performed in clubs and became the darlings of the entertainment industry. However, the TV industry initially dismissed them as “too sexy” for the screen. It wasn’t until they were booked for The Kenny Everett Video Show that they experienced a breakthrough, garnering widespread attention. Hot Gossip had truly taken off. This success eventually led Phillips and her group to Los Angeles for the film Can’t Stop the Music. She acknowledges that the film is now considered one of the worst musicals ever made, but the experience opened her eyes to a whole new world of glamour and luxury, far removed from her humble beginnings in Prestwich.
Phillips also highlights her incredible experience working with Freddie Mercury. She describes being in a room with him as witnessing a firework display, where his creativity and willingness to push boundaries shone bright. He embraced collaboration and encouraged everyone to participate fearlessly. These encounters with Mercury left a lasting impact, filled with a sense of excitement and wonder.
Throughout her career, Phillips has faced both triumphs and challenges. One of the most significant blows occurred when she wasn’t offered a contract renewal on Strictly Come Dancing. This disappointment was compounded by the recent loss of her beloved manager. Yet, she remained resilient and adamant about offering advice to aspiring young artists. Her message is clear: Be prepared for rejection and learn to bounce back. She reminds them that the entertainment industry is filled with constant hurdles, but with determination and resilience, success is attainable.
In the face of adversity, Phillips took her own advice and found solace in the fact that she had a thriving career before Strictly Come Dancing, and it would continue despite the setback. With each challenge, she emerged stronger and even more determined to conquer the next chapter.
Arlene Phillips’s journey is emblematic of the indomitable spirit required to make it in the world of dance and entertainment. From her humble beginnings to becoming a household name, she continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
