My lightbulb moment: Choreographer Arlene Phillips reveals how her dance teacher transformed her life 

  • Arlene Phillips, 73, works on West End and Broadway musicals
  • At the age of 22 she went to London to spend a week at Dance Centre 
  • Tutor Molly Molloy introduced her to the now famous director Ridley Scott 

By Liz Hoggard for the Daily Mail

Published: 20:17 EST, 5 June 2016 | Updated: 21:37 EST, 5 June 2016

Arlene Phillips, 73, created routines for dance troupe Hot Gossip before working on West End and Broadway musicals. She was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing for five years, has two daughters and lives in London with her partner, Angus Ion, 62. 

I’ll never forget phoning my family to tell them I was going to stay in London to follow my dreams. It was quite dramatic - and traumatic.

I was 22 and lived in Manchester. I’d come down to London to spend a week at the Dance Centre in Covent Garden and I fell in love with a new type of dance.

Arlene Phillips, 73, created routines for dance troupe Hot Gossip before working on West End and Broadway musicals. She reveals how her dance teacher transformed her life

Arlene Phillips, 73, created routines for dance troupe Hot Gossip before working on West End and Broadway musicals. She reveals how her dance teacher transformed her life

I’d dreamed of going to one of the London ballet schools but circumstances were too difficult. My mother died of leukaemia when I was 15, my father was also sick and I had to look after my younger sister.

Ballet classes were my escape. But our family bond was so strong I didn’t feel I could be the one to break it.

Instead I started teaching dance in Manchester. Out of the blue, the head of the ballet school said she’d pay for me to go to London for a week to take classes in contemporary dance.

On my last day, I took an American jazz class run by the tutor, Molly Molloy. After class, Molly and I bonded over a coffee. As I told her my story, how I’d had to put my life on hold, we both realised how vital this week had been. She said she’d give me a scholarship. My life was transformed.

She introduced me to her friend, Ridley Scott. Back then he was directing adverts, now, of course, he’s a famous film director.

On the Saturday I phoned my family and explained that if I came back I’d never have the courage to leave again. I promised I’d make it work.

In a week I’d changed my life. In a 50-year career, I’ve had success beyond my wildest dreams.

I’ve lived life by always moving forward. If I hadn’t, I might not have met Molly and mine might be a very different story.

Jackie The Musical, choreographed by Arlene, is on tour now. Go to jackiethemusical.com.


Comments (1)

Share what you think

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now