Latest news with #ArlenePhillips
The Guardian
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Relief after 10 dance centres for children across England saved from cuts
Campaigners from the world of dance including Arlene Phillips and Matthew Bourne have been celebrating after a training scheme for children was saved that they say stops the art form becoming the preserve of the elite. The National Centres for Advanced Training in Dance, or National Dance CATs, work with 10- to 18-years-olds to provide them with multiple sessions of training each week, which is combined with their mainstream education. The centres use outreach programmes to attract dancers from outside of traditional backgrounds in a bid to make dance, which has had issues with elitism for decades, more diverse and equitable. High-profile dance figures feared the 10 National Dance CATs could have been scrapped after a £300,000 grant for outreach work was cut in December 2024. But on Tuesday, the Department of Education confirmed to the campaigners, including alumni, students and parents who wrote to more than 100 MPs, that funding for the centres had been secured for another 12 months. Clare Connor, chief executive of The Place and London Contemporary Dance School, said: 'We are pleased to see government have listened … we will build on this good news and work to secure the long-term future of the programme. 'This is an encouraging step in the government's commitment to safeguarding the pathways to careers in dance, and a positive signal of the recognition of dance's contribution to our thriving and growing creative sector.' Brendan Keaney, the artistic director and chief executive of DanceEast in Ipswich, said the decision to scrap the outreach funding was a 'retrograde step' that could have reversed the progress made in the last 20 years to make access to dance easier for people from ethnic minority and working-class backgrounds. 'The outreach funding was our search vehicle. It was the route into the programme – a first step into the pathway towards a career in dance,' he said. 'The National Dance CATs are sort of like little beacons across the country, where you can get high-quality specialist dance training without having to go off to a residential school. You can go to a regular school, but also get the kind of intensive training that is absolutely essential if you're going to compete as professional dancer.' Dame Arlene Phillips, said: 'Every child should have the right to pursue the arts and dance and the opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of their background or where they live.' Sir Matthew Bourne called the National Dance CATs the 'envy of international dance companies' and said without them we could enter 'a world with no more Billy – or Betty – Elliots.' The centres were introduced by the last Labour government in 2004 in an attempt to make dance more equitable. Manchester, Salford, Leeds, Newcastle upon Tyne, Swindon, Ipswich, London, Bournemouth and Exeter all host the centres that have produced dancers who have gone on to work with Wayne McGregor, Akram Khan Dance Company, BalletBoyz, Northern Ballet and Matthew Bourne's New Adventures. Earlier this year the Guardian reported that artists, directors and actors had raised the alarm about what they described as a rigged system preventing working-class talent thriving in their industries. There had been speculation before the spending review that more funding could be cut at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and even some suggestions DCMS itself could have been abolished – although this was dismissed as 'madness' by culture minister Chris Bryant. The Department for Education has been contacted for comment.
Wales Online
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Arlene Phillips shares reaction to Strictly fans who mistake her for much younger judge
Arlene Phillips shares reaction to Strictly fans who mistake her for much younger judge Dame Arlene Phillips says fans are always mixing her up with her friend on Strictly Come Dancing, who is 18 years her junior, years on from her controversial axe from the BBC show Arlene Phillip said she's often having to clarify who she is to fans (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Dame Arlene Phillips is arguably the first choreographer to become a household name in Britain. Her dance ensemble, Hot Gossip, set the 1980s alight and sparked a lingerie-as-outerwear fashion trend, echoed by stars such as Sabrina Carpenter today. While those days may be behind her, Dame Arlene still remains as one of the dance industry's most well-known faces. In a recent chat, the former Strictly Come Dancing judge said fans often mistake her for the programme's current head judge, Shirley Ballas, 64. She shared: "People come running up shouting, 'Shirley! Shirley!' and I have to say, 'No, I'm the other one!'". Despite the mix-up, at 82, Arlene may find solace in being compared to someone nearly two decades her junior. Fans sometimes mistake Arlien for her pal Shirley Ballas [L] (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Arlene endured a highly publicised departure from the Strictly Come Dancing jury in her sixties, which ignited heated debates over sexism and ageism within the media. The contentious casting change led over 2,000 viewers to lodge complaints with the BBC, and even drew political ire as Deputy Labour Leader Harriet Harman lambasted the BBC's choice as "absolutely shocking." Article continues below Throughout the uproar, Arlene chose to concentrate on her own pursuits: "I wrapped myself in my world and got on with life," she told The i newspaper. Arlene made a name for herself with dance troupe Hot Gossip (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Many still approach her to opine that she shouldn't have been dismissed from the series after its 2008 season. Reflecting on her reaction to being replaced by Alesha Dixon, Arlene expressed initial anger but pointed out her swift rebound. "I gave myself 48 hours to kick, scream, cry and sob, and eat scones with cream and jam, then I made myself wake up and get on with it," she added. "I loved being on Strictly. It's very dear to my heart that I was there right from the start." Arlene continued, highlighting her resilience: "I'm a grown up so when life comes along and it doesn't go the way you want, you just get on with it." Bruno Tonioli, Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly (Image: BBC ) Meanwhile, a previous female colleague at the BBC conveyed to The Mirror their concerns about ageism, stating: "There seems to be a system that gives women no chance on air unless they are below a certain age." Article continues below They further lamented: "Arlene may have a job on The One Show, but she is being pushed out of Strictly even though she was an excellent judge with great knowledge on dancing. There is no really good reason for it." At the time, the BBC denied that ageism played any role in Arlene being replaced. In defence of the decision to bring in former Strictly champion Alesha as Arlene's replacement, BBC One controller Jay Hunt asserted: "Yes, a lot of people were upset about Arlene but the flip side is, in Alesha, we have a young, black, woman presenter, at the heart of the Saturday night BBC One schedule."
Wales Online
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Dame Arlene Phillips gets mistaken for Shirley Ballas
Dame Arlene Phillips gets mistaken for Shirley Ballas The 82-year-old star was a member of the judging panel on Strictly Come Dancing between 2004 and 2008 Arlene Phillips (Image: Getty Images ) Dame Arlene Phillips says people regularly confuse her with Shirley Ballas. The 82-year-old star was a member of the judging panel on Strictly Come Dancing between 2004 and 2008 but revealed that she often gets mistaken for the current head judge on the BBC's Saturday night staple in public. Speaking to the i newspaper, Arlene said: "People come running up to me shouting, 'Shirley! Shirley!' and I have to say, 'No, I'm the other one!'" Phillips was controversially replaced on the Strictly judging panel by Alesha Dixon in 2009 – with the move sparking ageism allegations and drawing over 2,000 complaints from the public – but she largely ignored the furore. She explained: "I guess I... I didn't notice it that much at the time. I wrapped myself in my world and got on with life." Arlene added: "(People approach me) all the time to say, 'You should never have gone!'" Article continues below The star revealed that she continues to watch Strictly Come Dancing in "bits and pieces" as she remains good friends with her former judging colleague Craig Revel Horwood and choreographer Jason Gilkison. Arlene said: "(I watch Strictly) in bits and pieces on catch-up. It's rare I'd sit still on a Saturday night for a couple of hours but I'm also close to Jason Gilkison and I love watching the big dance number he's created." The choreographer, who was the oldest-ever contestant on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! when she took part in the 2021 series of the ITV reality show at the age of 78, is working on a gender-flipped take on William Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream and has no plans to retire any time soon. She said: "Why would I, when there are so many interesting opportunities out there? New ideas keep you young." Meanwhile, Arlene previously hit out at the trend for politicians appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! as she thinks it's wrong for them to "make fools of themselves" and play "silly little games" in front of the viewing public. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper's The Diary column last year: "I'm not big on politicians, even ex-politicians, going into the jungle or dancing on Strictly. Article continues below "I actually don't like them making fools of themselves. "We try to teach our children and grandchildren to respect people who are governing and running the country, not going on shows, doing silly little games."
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips issues brutal five-word admission on ageing
Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips issues brutal five-word admission on ageing Arlene Phillips, who was one of the first four judges on the massively popular BBC show, said she'd been asked a certain question by her family that she called a "very good idea" Dame Arlene worked as one of the original four judges on Strictly (Image: ITV ) Dame Arlene Phillips has made an unusual declaration to her loved ones about a significant event, stating she doesn't "need any more" in her life. The distinguished choreographer, famed for leading the television dance crew Hot Gossip and being one of the original panel members on the acclaimed BBC dance contest until her departure in 2009, is turning the page as her 82nd birthday approaches. Since then, Arlene, who turns 82 next week, has appeared on I'm A Me Out of Here!, as the oldest celebrity contestant ever to take part in the show and has continued to be a key figure in the dance world. Yet, as the theatre director and former judge faces her next birthday, she has revealed that she was presented with a certain question from her family that she ultimately dubbed a "very good idea." Speaking to the Mail, Arlene recalled: "My family said, 'Do you just want to skip it?' I said, 'That sounds like a very good idea'. So, I'm skipping my birthday. I've had so many amazing birthdays - I don't need any more." Arlene was presented with a certain question from her family (Image: Getty Images ) Article continues below Last December, Arlene divulged her secret to maintaining her svelte figure well into her eighties, confessing she abides by a certain "dieting rule". For Arlene, staving off cravings for crisps or chocolate involves always having a pack of chicory to hand. Despite having a healthy go-to distraction for hunger pangs, she admits that there are times when she indulges herself, reflecting: "This has not been a good year for my weight, not at all." Arlene Phillips has also shared her relaxed attitude towards food in her 80s, saying: "Sometimes I make a decision that I'm going to eat frugally and carefully, and my mind can stick with it. Other times I just think, 'You're in your eighties - you can have what you want. Make sure you're enjoying everything you eat!'" She expressed her thoughts on weight loss jabs, revealing she wishes she "had the courage" but has an aversion to injections. Phillips mentioned she would love to shed the extra 14 lbs that "seem to have attached" to her body. The former Strictly Come Dancing judge, who was part of the show from 2004 to 2008, was succeeded by Alesha Dixon in 2009. Alesha, the show's 2007 winner, was later replaced. Arlene ultimately dubbed the question a "very good idea" (Image: ITV ) Article continues below The current judging panel comprises Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke. Meanwhile, Arlene has had a diverse career, working on music videos with icons like Tina Turner, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston. Her choreography expertise has been showcased in notable musical and film productions, including We Will Rock You and the 1982 film adaptation of Annie. She also held the role of "creative dramaturg" in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.
Edinburgh Live
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly's Arlene Phillips issues plea to family and admits 'I don't need any more'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Arlene Phillips has told her family that she plans to avoid something significant in her life, claiming that she doesn't "need any more". Dame Arlene, a choreographer who served as the leader of the TV dance troupe Hot Gossip, worked as one of the original four judges on the popular BBC dance competition until she was axed in 2009. Since then, Arlene, who turns 82 next week, has appeared on I'm A Celeb as the oldest celebrity contestant ever to take part in the show and has continued to be a key figure in the dance world. Yet, as the theatre director and former judge faces her next birthday, she has revealed that she was presented with a certain question from her family that she ultimately dubbed a "very good idea." Arlene told the Mail: "My family said, 'Do you just want to skip it?' I said, 'That sounds like a very good idea'. So, I'm skipping my birthday. I've had so many amazing birthdays - I don't need any more." (Image: Getty Images) In December last year, Arlene shared her secret to keeping her figure in her 80s, revealing that she has a "dieting rule". She went on to explain that she always has a packet of chicory in her bag. It means that when she feels hungry and may be tempted to reach for crisps or chocolate, she can remind herself that she has the healthier snack readily available. However, she also disclosed that sometimes she feels like she can have what she wants, saying: "This has not been a good year for my weight, not at all. "Sometimes I make a decision that I'm going to eat frugally and carefully, and my mind can stick with it. Other times I just think, 'You're in your eighties - you can have what you want. Make sure you're enjoying everything you eat!'" (Image: ITV) She shared her views on weight loss jabs, saying she wished she "had the courage" but doesn't like injections. Arlene added that she'd love to lose the extra 14 lbs that "seem to have attached" to her body. Arlene, who worked on Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 until 2008, was replaced by Alesha Dixon in 2009. Alesha won the show in 2007 prior to her appointment but was later replaced herself. The panel now includes Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke. Meanwhile, Arlene has enjoyed a varied career, including in music videos with such legends as Tina Turner, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston. She has also lent her choreography skills to huge musical and film productions, including We Will Rock You and the 1982 movie adaptation of Annie and the role of "creative dramaturg" in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.
