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Hello and welcome to Women with Balls, where I Katie Balls speak to today's trailblazers.

My guest today was born in Lancashire but moved to London to pursue her love for dance.

She started age three and by the age of 20 had become a teacher in her field.

From here she formed a dance troupe hot gossip and made regular appearances on the Kenny Everett show,

catapulting her into the public eye. She went on to be involved with some of the biggest productions

on the West End, including Greece, guys and dolls and the sound of music. She's also choreographed

films such as 1982's Annie and has worked with some of the stars like Freddie Mercury and Tina Turner.

In 2004, my guest was on the original judging panel for Strictly Come Dancing, one of the

nation's favourite TV shows and stayed there for several years. She's had no shortage of awards,

but most recently received royal praise, awarded a Damehood in the 2021 birthday honours.

Now past her 80th birthday, she continues to choreograph and support many charitable organisations.

My guest today is Dame Arlene Phillips.

Arlene, thank you very much for joining me today for all the podcast.

It's a pleasure to have you here.

On this podcast, we tend to begin by always asking the same question,

which is, would you describe yours as a happy childhood?

Ooh, I wouldn't describe it as a happy childhood at all, actually, although there were moments

...