Billy Elliot

Billy Elliot

Year: 2000

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Stephen Daldry

DramaComedyMusic

Set against the backdrop of a 1980s English mining town, this story follows an 11-year-old boy who discovers a passion for ballet. Defying his father's expectations and the disapproval of his community, Billy Elliot secretly pursues his dream of becoming a dancer. He faces numerous challenges as he strives to balance his aspirations with the realities of his working-class background, ultimately finding strength and self-discovery through his dedication to the art form.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Billy Elliot (2000)

Trace every key event in Billy Elliot (2000) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction to Billy

The film starts with a glimpse into the life of 11-year-old Billy Elliot, who dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. Growing up in a mining family amid the UK's turmoil during the 1984-1985 miners' strike greatly influences his journey.

Durham, UK
2

Boxing Lessons

Initially, Billy's father Jackie encourages him to pursue boxing, a family tradition. However, Billy struggles with the sport, showing an inclination towards dance instead.

3

Discovery of Ballet

While attending a boxing lesson, Billy stumbles upon a ballet class using the gym. Intrigued, he decides to secretly enroll in the ballet classes, marking the start of his journey into dance.

Local gym
4

Father's Disapproval

Billy's father discovers his secret when a boxing coach mentions Billy's absence due to ballet classes. Enraged, Jackie bans him from attending the lessons, pushing Billy further into concealment.

5

Support from Georgia

Billy's dance teacher, Georgia Wilkinson, recognizes his talent and encourages him to pursue a career in ballet. She believes Billy has the potential to audition for the prestigious Royal Ballet School.

6

Lost Opportunity

Billy misses his chance to audition for the Royal Ballet School when his brother Tony is arrested during a miners' strike. This incident fills the family with concern regarding Billy's passion for dance.

7

Christmas Kiss

During the Christmas festive season, Billy shares a tender moment with his best friend Michael, who kisses him. This moment reinforces their bond and showcases the support Billy has in his life.

Christmas
8

Father's Realization

After witnessing Billy's incredible talent firsthand, Jackie undergoes a transformation. He acknowledges Billy's passion and decides to support his dream of becoming a ballet dancer.

9

Community Support

Faced with financial constraints, Billy's local community and fellow miners rally around him, organizing a fundraiser to support his ballet training. This support highlights the tight-knit community during tough times.

10

Audition Day

Billy finally attends the audition for the Royal Ballet School after significant buildup and support. Despite initial nerves, he performs impressively and receives a moment of constructive criticism from the review board.

Royal Ballet School, London
11

Moment of Passion

During the audition, when asked how he feels while dancing, Billy passionately responds, 'like electricity.' This statement captures the essence of his love for dance and showcases his dedication to pursuing ballet.

12

Acceptance into Royal Ballet

After returning home with his father Jackie post-audition, Billy receives an acceptance letter from the Royal Ballet School. This pivotal moment marks a new beginning in his life, leading him to London.

13

The Time Jump

The film culminates with a time jump where we see an adult Billy at 25, now portrayed by Adam Cooper. He performs as the lead in Matthew Bourne's 'Swan Lake', showcasing the culmination of his dreams.

1999 Theatre, London
14

Family Support

As Billy performs, his family, including Jackie and Tony, along with his best friend Michael, proudly watch from the audience. Their presence signifies the support and acceptance Billy has finally achieved.

1999 Theatre, London

Last Updated: April 16, 2025 at 14:33

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Billy Elliot Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Billy Elliot, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Billy Elliot Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Billy Elliot

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Billy Elliot. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Billy Elliot

More About Billy Elliot

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More About Billy Elliot

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