Julie on a UK break with her husband spencer and son Eliot
Julie Barker (aka Mrs Julie Carter) is one of the most talented people I know. Julie has been teaching dance for thirty-two years, twenty-nine of those as the principal of Tip-Toe Stage School in South Ockendon, Essex. Her students have performed in many of the West End’s theatres, Disneyland Paris and at the Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies and several have gone on to have West End careers. http://tiptoestageschool.co.uk Her shows are always innovative and the standard very professional, so I am delighted that she is the choreographer and musical director of the Melabeau Productions panto I am directing, Cinderella, which is at the Brookside Theatre, Romford, this Christmas. Julie is also an examiner for the British Theatre Dance Association and was recently given a Civic Award for Communities by Thurrock Council for her work in ‘bringing the community together.’ As well as Tip-Toe, Julie also runs Scalliwags Preschool. She is a very talented performer with an amazing singing voice, too, having appeared in many musicals and plays. And she has been my friend for over twenty years. Here, she shares her Hot Holidays! with us…
ES: Where did you spend your last holiday and why did you choose to go there?
JB: We often take short breaks with UK holiday camps and our favourite is Rockley Park Haven holiday camp! We have visited this camp twice this year for short breaks and love it because there is so much to do for the children! BUT our favourite holiday abroad is Lanzarote!!! We last went over New Year and have booked again for this New Year coming! We choose it because, which ever resort in Lanzarote we go, it is always relaxing, warm, friendly and reasonably priced!
ES: What’s your favourite type of holiday? And your least favourite?
JB: Because I am always so busy my favourite type of holiday is a relaxing beach/pool holidayin Lanzarote or somewhere hot! And although I’m a dancer, my least favourite would be an action holiday!
ES: I can understand that! Where did you spend your best ever holiday and what made it so memorable?
JB: My best ever holiday was in La Manga! It was like paradise before the resort had been built up. We stayed in the middle of two different seas, oneside a calm lagoon the other a vigorous wave! It was great!
ES: Any holiday or and the reasons why.
JB: I can’t think of any disasters but my husband, Spen, would remember if there were any! Worst we have had was a long delay coming home from hols with friends but we had such a laugh it was fun!
ES: Who’s your favourite travelling companion(s) or do you prefer your own company?
JB: My family. No question!
ES: Now, I know you’re a very happily married woman now, but have you ever had a holiday romance?
JB: Lol!!!! No holiday romance I’m afraid! Always gone away with hubby!
ES: How would you spend your dream twenty-four hours if you could travel to multiple, worldwide destinations with no travel restrictions?
JB: I would cruise the Nile, then see the Pyramids and round the day off with taking in dinner and a show on Broadway!
ES: Sounds good to me! And finally, what tip or piece of advice would you give to holidaymakers and/or travellers?
JB: We always pack a mix of items in all bags in case one goes missing!
Great advice! Thank you, Julie!
