The renowned choreographer receives recognition for her contributions to dance and charity work
Category: Arts & Culture
Dame Arlene Phillips, the Olivier Award-winning choreographer and theatre director, received the Freedom of the City of London on April 18, 2026, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to dance and charitable endeavors. The ceremony took place at the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall, where Phillips expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating, "I’m very honoured to be recognised by being granted the Freedom of the City of London and it is truly a privilege to join such an eminent list of recipients."
This prestigious accolade is awarded by the City of London Corporation and acknowledges individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the city or public life. Dame Arlene's illustrious career spans over five decades, during which she has been a trailblazer in the field of jazz dance in the UK, developing a signature style influenced by American Modern Jazz.
Dame Arlene's career began in London, where she created the dance group Hot Gossip in the 1970s. This group was instrumental in popularizing jazz dance and brought her into collaboration with numerous stars from film, television, and theatre. Her extensive work includes choreographing hit West End and Broadway musicals, Hollywood films, and music videos. Notable productions she has worked on include *We Will Rock You*, *The Meaning of Life*, and *Guys and Dolls*.
In addition to her choreography, Phillips has gained recognition as a television dance judge and presenter, which has endeared her to audiences across the UK and beyond. Her contributions to dance and charity have not gone unnoticed; in 2021, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services in these fields.
The Freedom of the City of London is one of the city's ancient traditions, believed to have originated in 1237. This honor allowed recipients to carry out their trade freely within the city. Over the years, the Freedom has been awarded to those who apply and to individuals recognized for their extraordinary achievements. Recent notable recipients include acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett and TV presenter Gloria Hunniford.
During the ceremony, City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward highlighted Phillips' remarkable contributions to dance, stating, "By receiving the Freedom of the City of London, Dame Arlene Phillips is stepping gracefully into a well-choreographed line-up, which includes Strictly’s Oti Mabuse and Len Goodman, and celebrated choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne." He emphasized the significance of her work in the dance community and her impact on charitable initiatives.
Keith Bottomley, Sheriff of the City of London, also praised Phillips, describing her as an icon of the UK’s creative industries. He noted her passion for community dance and the emotional and physical benefits that dance brings to a wide audience. Bottomley remarked, "Her expertise, vision, and ingenuity as a leading choreographer have won her legions of fans all over the world."
Looking ahead, Dame Arlene Phillips continues to be actively involved in various projects. Her recent work includes the successful revival of *Guys & Dolls* at the Bridge Theatre and the new musical *I Wish You Well*, which debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She also celebrated 38 years of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *Starlight Express* in Germany, serving as choreographer and director, highlighting her enduring influence in the theatre world.
As Phillips reflects on her career, she acknowledges London as the city that has shaped her professional life. "London is where I started my career as a choreographer and it has been my home for over 60 years," she stated, emphasizing her deep connection to the city. This latest honor is not just a personal milestone but also a recognition of the vibrant dance community that she has helped cultivate.
Dame Arlene Phillips' commitment to dance and charity work continues to inspire many. As she embarks on new creative ventures, the dance community and her many fans look forward to her future contributions. The Freedom of the City of London is a fitting tribute to a lifetime dedicated to the arts and community engagement, and her legacy is sure to resonate for generations to come.