FIRST IMPRESSIONS: ARLENE PHILLIPS
What are you working on at the moment?
Two things, one here in the UK, which is the countrywide tour of Starlight Express, and I'm also going to be working in Toronto on the judging panel in the search for Dorothy for a production of The Wizard Of Oz. I'm also doing lots of work for the Bupa Understand Dementia campaign, too.
When were you at your happiest?
Probably when I was young in my mother's arms. I lost my mother when I was a teenager and the memories of me sitting on her knee with her arms wrapped around me are very, very special.
What is your greatest fear?
Flying.
What is your earliest memory?
I was two-and-a-half in a baby ballet class, being told to 'step together, step, hop' by my teacher. When I couldn't do it, she shouted at me and I never wanted to dance again.
Who has been your greatest influence?
Margot Fonteyn. From the moment I first saw her dance I wanted to be a ballerina.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
My impatience.
What is your most treasured possession?
A thimble. It belonged to my mother who used to sew the most beautiful dolls' clothes and I always remember watching her push the needle against the thimble and sewing the finest stitches. I love it.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
People who don't concentrate on what you're saying when you're saying it.
Do you have a fantasy address?
New York city – I love it.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My bum – it's too big.
What is your all-time favourite book?
Little Women. I must have read it 50 times. I read it when I was young, and I used to read it to my two girls. I have great nieces now, too, and I'm reading it to them as well.
What is your favourite film?
West Side Story.
Your favourite record or piece of music?
Johann Pachelbel's Canon. It's a beautiful classical piece, which I used when I was teaching. One day in the studio the phone rang. That call changed my life and I always believed it was because of that piece of music. I had been recommended for a big job but they didn't think I was ready for it because I didn't have a great deal of experience, and I was playing this piece and the lady on the phone heard it. She asked what it was and I told her, and she said 'that's my favourite piece of music, you've got the job'. And that's how my career in choreography began.
Your favourite meal?
Sushi.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Fred Astaire. I would ask him how he did it, how he worked out his tap dancing and his work with props; how he could turn a broom into a dance partner. He was incredible. I would also insist that he danced with me.
Which historical character do you most admire?
Isadora Duncan for her fearlessness in dance.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
I don't know what sort of a job you think you're doing, but it's not good enough.
Do you believe in aliens?
No.
What is your secret vice?
Stuffing my face with chocolate and eating it so quickly, pretending that it won't sit on my hips.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Always, always, always. Even for the smallest little gift.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
5, 6, 7, 8.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
A little less work and a little more relaxation.
What would you like your epitaph to say?
She tried hard.
Arlene Phillips is supporting Bupa's new online dementia hub, which provides advice and support to families who are caring for someone with dementia: www.bupa.co.uk/understanddementia
Two things, one here in the UK, which is the countrywide tour of Starlight Express, and I'm also going to be working in Toronto on the judging panel in the search for Dorothy for a production of The Wizard Of Oz. I'm also doing lots of work for the Bupa Understand Dementia campaign, too.
When were you at your happiest?
Probably when I was young in my mother's arms. I lost my mother when I was a teenager and the memories of me sitting on her knee with her arms wrapped around me are very, very special.
What is your greatest fear?
Flying.
What is your earliest memory?
I was two-and-a-half in a baby ballet class, being told to 'step together, step, hop' by my teacher. When I couldn't do it, she shouted at me and I never wanted to dance again.
Who has been your greatest influence?
Margot Fonteyn. From the moment I first saw her dance I wanted to be a ballerina.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
My impatience.
What is your most treasured possession?
A thimble. It belonged to my mother who used to sew the most beautiful dolls' clothes and I always remember watching her push the needle against the thimble and sewing the finest stitches. I love it.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
People who don't concentrate on what you're saying when you're saying it.
Do you have a fantasy address?
New York city – I love it.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My bum – it's too big.
What is your all-time favourite book?
Little Women. I must have read it 50 times. I read it when I was young, and I used to read it to my two girls. I have great nieces now, too, and I'm reading it to them as well.
What is your favourite film?
West Side Story.
Your favourite record or piece of music?
Johann Pachelbel's Canon. It's a beautiful classical piece, which I used when I was teaching. One day in the studio the phone rang. That call changed my life and I always believed it was because of that piece of music. I had been recommended for a big job but they didn't think I was ready for it because I didn't have a great deal of experience, and I was playing this piece and the lady on the phone heard it. She asked what it was and I told her, and she said 'that's my favourite piece of music, you've got the job'. And that's how my career in choreography began.
Your favourite meal?
Sushi.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Fred Astaire. I would ask him how he did it, how he worked out his tap dancing and his work with props; how he could turn a broom into a dance partner. He was incredible. I would also insist that he danced with me.
Which historical character do you most admire?
Isadora Duncan for her fearlessness in dance.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
I don't know what sort of a job you think you're doing, but it's not good enough.
Do you believe in aliens?
No.
What is your secret vice?
Stuffing my face with chocolate and eating it so quickly, pretending that it won't sit on my hips.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Always, always, always. Even for the smallest little gift.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
5, 6, 7, 8.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
A little less work and a little more relaxation.
What would you like your epitaph to say?
She tried hard.
Arlene Phillips is supporting Bupa's new online dementia hub, which provides advice and support to families who are caring for someone with dementia: www.bupa.co.uk/understanddementia