Arlene Phillips’ new show is ‘strictly’ flamenco

We may not shy away from foot stomping, but unlike the Hora, flamenco isn’t an obviously Jewish dance. Dame Arlene Phillips and Karen Ruimy will tell you that it is and they are bringing back House of Flamenka, a decadent fusion of flamenco and contemporary dance to the Peacock Theatre.

The dancers, both Jewish, know that the Inquisition in 1478 was not as efficient as history suggests at evicting Spain’s Jews and the many who remained and ‘converted’ to Catholicism still made an impact on flamenco rhythms as they derive from our religious songs.

“The dance actually has deep roots in Jewish tradition,” says Karen, who grew up in Morocco with “super traditional Sephardi parents.” “We left in 1972 due to political tension and emigrated to Paris where my siblings were going to University. I’d been dancing from a young age, but just for fun and each summer went to Marbella to study flamenco. By my 20s I was performing in small Parisian restaurants, but not telling my parents. I worked really hard and got my MBA and a super successful career in banking, but I wasn’t happy.”

Cue the staccato click-clacking of heels. “In my late 20s I had this huge awakening, quit my job and became a spiritual writer then a guide and healer. It came very naturally to me. My parents didn’t want me to give up the high-powered career, but they could see how much happier I was.” Karen was happier still when she created a show in Paris with her Spanish teacher and 20 years of dance followed.  “When I put the music on, it’s about connecting to a higher energy and being on stage is totally a sacred moment where I’m not myself – I’m in another world, like in meditation.”

It was Karen’s teacher that, with his ear to the ground (he could probably hear the stomping), knew Arlene was keen on flamenco and connected them both. Karen says “I freaked out when we met as she’s a very cool lady, but we totally clicked and the show was formed.”

“Meeting Karen was a joy,” concurs Arlene. “She was a woman after my own heart: driven, adventurous, generous and spiritual – she lives life to the full. And yes, we both love to gossip maybe due to our Jewish backgrounds and Friday night chats.”

Karen is currently in rehearsals from 9am – 7pm each day “And Arlene is there every step of the way,” she says, which adds to the pressure of being the star turn.

“I don’t want to disappoint Arlene. She’s a perfectionist because she pushes you and because she isn’t ‘from’ flamenco, she’s more subjective.” As a judge on Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance?, being subjective is second nature to the choreographer and director of West End and Broadway musicals, and among them is Matador based on the bullfighter El Cordobés.

“I studied basic flamenco but never performed it,” says Arlene, who at 80 turns back time when she twirls. “When I was asked to do the staging for Matador in ’91, I jumped at the chance. It was brilliantly choreographed by Rafael Aguilar and ever since then I’d wanted to create a show based around Flamenco dancers but with a twist. Actually, two weeks after the birth of my daughter Abi who is now 32, I was in daily classes with Rafael and loved it!”

Karen keeps up her Jewish traditions – “I make shabbat, celebrate the holidays. My husband is more religious and attends Marble Arch synagogue whereas I am more spiritual.” This spirituality extends to flamenco which she says is a “devotion’ – you have to feel it and really connect with the audience.”

House of Flamenka first ran in 2022 and opens again with changes by the Dame.  “I knew the 2023 show needed reworking – some new music, clarifying the story – and  I was ready to make those changes.” With a cast of flamenco dancers from Spain and contemporary dancers from the UK, rehearsals were slowed down by the need for a language interpreter. “And each group had to learn a style which they had not been trained in,” adds Arlene who copes with challenges better than the average octogenarian.

House of Flamenka returns to the Peacock Theatre 17 – 28 October 2023. sadlerswells.com