Summary of the story of Billy Elliot

The drama Billy Elliot directed by Stephen Daldry in the year 2000 is about the young boy Billy, who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. But his brother and father doesn’t comprehend his passion for dancing. Both are coal miners out on a miners’ strike.

Billy Elliot lives with his father Jackie, his older brother Tony and his bemused grandma in northern England. His mother has died some years ago. Even if there isn't much money, Jackie takes Billy to the Sports Centre to learn boxing, as a tradition. Billy gets in the ring and starts to fight with a peer, but his style of box is distinct from the typical boxing style, because Billy is “dancing” around making his adversary baffled. His father comes to see Billy boxing and sees this dance. Therefore he shouts at Billy to strike, the moment Billy gets a punch (07:12).

The ballet class of Mrs. Wilkinson is using the gym too while their usual basement studio in being used as a soup kitchen for the striking miners. While all the girls are dancing and piano playing Billy gets into the rhythm and joins the girls by the pole. All the moving and new impulses excite him. Mrs Wilkinson, the ballet mistress, discovers his talent and she assists Billy. So Billy has to make a decision where to spend the fifty pens, which he gets for his boxing lesson. He should use it for box, to become a box macho like his father and grandfather and be a “proper man”, an expected male role of the community or he could use it to become a dancer. Billy‘s final decision is to give the time and money into the ballet. Of course, he doesn’t tell his family about his new interest and wants to conceal that from them.

But sometimes later Jackie discovers this after the boxing coach mentions Billy‘s absence and forbids Billy to take any more ballet lessons.

(25:00 )

After this Billy goes to visit Mrs. Wilkinson, seemingly to apologize and explain. Mrs.

Wilkinson believes Billy is talented enough to study at the Royal Ballet School in London and

makes a secret agreement with him. Billy takes private lessons to get prepared for the

entrance. Due to the confidential atmosphere, an open and intimate relationship has developed

between Billy and Mrs. Wilkinson. Billy shares the letter from his mother with the ballet

teacher.

On the day of the examination, an illegal protest of miners takes place. Tony gets involved in

an open fight. The police get the upper hand, Tony is beaten and arrested. Billy and his father

go to fetch him at the court. On the way back home these three men meet Mrs. Wilkinson,

who is waiting for Billy to find out why he has missed the entrance examination date and the

possibility to become the ballet dancer. The clash of Billy’s desire and the fragrant reality of

the family situation puts an end to Billy’s possibility to become something more than a miner.

For this moment, the ballet lessons are over.

At the Christmas evening the whole family sit together in front of the fireplace. At dinner

Jackie starts crying. This shows us how the character Jackie changes in the film. At the

beginning he is the “macho” and he complies with the image of his men role. But know he

gets weak and begins to pay attention to Billy.

( 1:02:35 )

Over Christmas, Billy’s best friend, Michael, kisses him on the cheek. Billy makes him clear

that he isn’t gay but he is supportive of his friend.

( 1:04:00 )

They go to the boxing hall. Michael wants to see Billy dancing. Billy’s father comes in and

sees Billy for the first time to demonstrate his talent and ability to move his body. Billy does

not stop dancing when he sees his father, on contrary: he expresses all his anger, than any

explanation he could offer to his father. Possibly, this is the most understandable way of

communication for these two men. (01:07:00) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=CH8HV5gXQB4 )

Jackie realises his son is truly gifted and he will do whatever it takes to help Billy realise his

dream. He runs to Mrs. Wilkinson to learn about the Royal Ballet School.

Billy and his father travel to London for the entrance examination. Billy performs his piece.

The entrance examination board does not appear much interested. On the oral part both Elliots

answered the committee’s questions. Last question for Billy is how he feels about dancing.

First Billy pauses and then he describes him emotions when he dances.

The Elliots are waiting for the letter from Royal Ballet School with a little hope. After some

time, Billy gets the letter of acceptance. At the same time, the strike is stopped, the mining

community lost.

Last chapter takes place couple years later. Billy has a performance; his father and brother

come to London to see the opening night. Next to their seats, Michael is sitting dressed as a

lady. Last scene goes back to the theatre stage where Billy is getting ready for a jump as he

dances the main character in The Swan Lake.