Billy Elliot

Grew Up… in a working class family in Everington, in the north of England. Billy’s father and brother are both coal miners who value their working-class, masculine roots.

Living… through hard times. The Elliot family has been hit hard by the Thatcher government, and so decide to strike in support of the miners’ union. On top of it all, Billy’s mother passed away only a year ago.

Visiting… a ballet class. Billy’s father encourages his son to try boxing, but Billy prefers to use his agile talents for his true passion: ballet. Unbeknownst to the rest of the family, he has shown a predilection for the fine art of ballet dancing.

Interests… dancing. Billy has shown great talent, and his teacher has told him to apply to the Royal Ballet School in London.

Challenge… following his dream and overcoming prejudice against his choice to be a dancer. Billy’s family is worried that he will be perceived as a “poof,” thereby ostracizing the family from the local community. Billy, however, has elected to follow his mother’s advice and “be himself.”

Personality… headstrong, wise, and determined. Though only eleven, Billy is a extremely sure of himself.  As he defiantly states, “Just because I like ballet doesn’t mean I’m a poof, you know.”