Dame Darcey Bussell Photo Bill Cooper

The RAD is pleased to announce a special episode of its Why Dance Matters podcast with three brilliant dancing dames: Darcey Bussell, Arlene Phillips and Monica Mason.

Recorded live at intimate event, the RAD gathered three distinguished dancing dames in front of an invited audience to discuss their lives in dance.

A ballerina, an artistic director and a choreographer: Dame Darcey Bussell, Dame Monica Mason and Dame Arlene Phillips. All three have points of connection: Darcey and Monica were both luminaries of the Royal Ballet

and are now the RAD’s President and Vice-President respectively; Darcey and Arlene have both been judges of Strictly Come Dancing. This is a rare opportunity to hear them compare notes about their extraordinary careers and love of dance.

“I was choreographing in an era where musical theatre was male-dominated, and I was usually the only female on a creative team.

And that went on for quite a long time. On Starlight Express, on Grease. I was the only woman, and I think it was very hard for female choreographers to break through into that world.” – Arlene Phillips

“Commitment and the ability to work hard are absolutely crucial.” – Monica Mason

Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight.

Tune in