The life of a coal miner's son in Northern England is forever changed one day when he stumbles upon a ballet class on his way to boxing lessons. Joining the class, but keeping it a secret from his widowed father and overbearing brother, 11-year old Billy shows a raw talent that dancing instructor, Mrs Wilkinson immediately recognises. She encourages him to try out for the Royal Ballet School in London.
The talented young boy becomes torn between his unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family.
Billy Elliot was released in 2000 and was directed by Stephen Daldry, written by Lee Hall and starred Jamie Bell, Julie Walters and Jean Heywood. Billy Elliot was originally titled Dancer.