Hey everyone,
Just thought I’d check in and see how you’re all getting on this week and keep you posted on my latest news!
I’ve been totally wrapped up still in Wizard of Oz rehearsals and boy are they tough long days – but oh so exciting and I’m having the most wonderful time creating all the choreography. It’s a real challenge as the set moves every which way up and down, but don’t want to give too much away so I won’t say any more but watch this space! I have to say though, one of the best things about these long days is coming home to my daughter Abi’s beautiful flowers that she arranges. She’s studying floristry and it just brightens up my home and my day!
I went to the opening of Totem, the new Cirque du Soleil show at the Royal Albert Hall and what a show it was, amazing acts aside there were some of the most beautiful moving projections on to the set that I have ever seen! As always it was lovely to see the usual gang, the Bad Boy of Ballroom Brendan Cole and his beautiful wife Zoe were there, as well as Craig Revel Horwood and his partner Grant, I exchanged a few naughty words with the very cheeky Dean Piper about an act where several girls were on unicycles for rather a long time, and let’s just say we were wondering whether or not it was hurting in ‘certain areas’! It was delightful meeting up, though as all the other press only wanted to talk to me about Strictly.
I made lots of exciting New Years resolutions, but just broke them in quick succession – oh well, roll on 2012 and I can start again!
I’ve been getting some great feedback on my children’s book series Alana Dancing Star, I sent them to Meg Matthews daughter Anais and after bumping into them in Hampstead Anais ran over and told me how much she was enjoying them, I was really touched, after all she is the one reading them! Speaking of Meg, I have been wearing one of her Liberty silk scarves and it is not only beautiful but can dress up or down any outfit and looks gorgeous with some of my vintage pieces, I’d get down to Liberty’s and indulge yourself if you can.
I was deeply saddened last week to hear of the untimely death of Olivia Clee-Barnett who I had the pleasure to work with last year on Grease the School Musical. She was a bright and talented girl who sadly passed away from suspected Swine Flu at only 17, and my love and thoughts go out to her family and friends.
So on that note, please look after yourselves and each other, and tell the people in your life that you love as much as you can – I know I do, and do get a flu jab.
Love to all
Arlene x
arlenephillips 