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We are delighted and extremely honoured to announce two new patrons of
Performers College, the fabulous Arlene Phillips CBE and creative genius Chris
Bailey who will be joining Kim Gavin, Creative Director for Take That, and The
London Olympic Closing Ceremony in 2012. Performers College welcomes both
Arlene and Chris in support of continuing our mission to promote excellence in
dance and musical theatre training.
Arlene Phillips is a showbiz legend, her dance group Hot Gossip revolutionised
dance in the UK and in 2013 she was honoured by the Queen with a CBE: for her
work with stars from film and TV, to theatre and arenas, choreographing hit West
End and Broadway musicals The Wizard of Oz, Starlight Express, Flashdance, The
Sound of Music, Grease, We Will Rock You and Saturday Night Fever; directing the
concert The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber starring Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman; choreographing
for Hollywood directors on films from Annie to Monty Python’s Meaning of Life. Arlene has also
choreographed for over one hundred TV commercials in England and America including 7-Up, American
Express, Burger King, Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, Levi Jeans, Vidal Sassoon and Yellow Pages.
During the 80’s she created some of the most iconic videos for stars such as Whitney Houston, Elton John,
Queen, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, The Bee Gees, Duran Duran, Aretha Franklin, Joan Jett, Kiss,
Donna Summer and later Robbie Williams. As a TV judge on So You Think You Can Dance, Strictly Come
Dancing in the UK and Over The Rainbow in Canada, Arlene has become a well-loved household name. This is
in no way an exhaustive list of Arlene’s accolades and professional credits, her incredible career spans over 45
years!
“I have been extremely impressed by the work Performers College is doing to turn their students into
serious triple threats. Not only do their students have the ability to cross all genres of dance but have a
great work ethic and self-discipline.”
Arlene Phillips
Chris Bailey is a Choreographer and Director who began dancing at the age of 7 in
his hometown of Leicester and headed off to London at the age of 17 to attend
Performers College here in Essex. His early professional work was mainly in
television but he also worked in the Music and Fashion industries. Chris’ first real
theatre experience was when he joined the UK cast of Tap Dogs and toured
Europe and Asia for 2 years. On his return to London he became part of the
Original West End cast of Contact. Chris then went on to become an original cast
member and dance captain of the West End production of Thoroughly Modern
Millie which is where he met Rob Ashford who Chris has been working alongside
for 12 years.
Chris has choreographed The Muny’s productions of Tarzan (2014), West Side
Story (2013) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (2012). Chris also choreographed the historic opening number of
the 2013 Tony ® Awards, and served as assistant choreographer for the 2013 and 2014 Academy Awards. Chris
was the associate choreographer for the Broadway revival of Evita; the Broadway productions of How to
Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; Promises, Promises and Cry-Baby. In London’s West End, Chris
was the associate choreographer for Guys and Dolls, Evita, Once in a Lifetime and Candide. Tour credits as
choreographer include Evita, The Wedding Singer (US), Guys and Dolls (UK, Australia) and Thoroughly Modern
Millie (UK). On film, credits include Ted 2, Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella, and A Million Ways to Die in the
West.
Chris has had the pleasure of working with some incredible artistes such as Sir Kenneth Branagh, Charlize
Theron, Seth MacFarlane, Channing Tatum, Dan Radcliffe, Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne, Michael
Grandage, Kevin Spacey, Aretha Franklin and many more.
“From an early age I always wanted to be a ‘Brian Rogers dancer'; because of this dream I only ever
wanted to go to one college and that was Performers. It was everything I expected and more. The training
taught me not only the technical skills to succeed in a career as a dancer and choreographer, but also the
values of work ethic, discipline and respect, something that I have carried with me throughout my career.
Performers College always felt like a family and was a joyous place to train and learn. I recommend
Performers College whole heartedly!”
Chris Bailey