Billy Elliot: More Than Ballet

Billy Elliot The Musical is the story of a young boy who aspires to a career in ballet, but people are often surprised that the show also encompasses tap, hip hop, jazz, acrobatics and folk dancing. Even walking becomes a form of expression. 

The diversity was very deliberate. Said choreographer Peter Darling, “I didn’t want to convey the notion that only one form of movement is of value. I wanted to use as many different forms of movement as possible. We’re celebrating dance; dance is worthy of celebration and all forms of dance can tell a narrative.” 

Darling infused the ballet choreography with contemporary movement, steps that would contradict traditional classical dance. When Billy auditions for The Royal Ballet in the number “Electricity,” the ballet he performs includes street dance, hip hop and acrobatics. “The idea is that The Royal Ballet is looking for young dancers with potential, who are phenomenal movers,” says Darling. “And Billy shows that he’s a phenomenal mover who can also turn three pirouettes. Ballet can be one of the most thrilling things you’ll ever see, because of the amount of training, technique, and strength required to do it. The training enables the body to do things that are phenomenally difficult. You’re able to travel through the air. It’s got a great freedom to it.” 

To learn more about Billy Elliot The Musical, please visit SCFTA.org. 

From Screen to Stage

 

Following the premiere of Billy Elliot at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival, a sobbing Elton John, who by chance happened to be at the screening, had to be helped from the theater.

“It touched me so much,” he said. “The story is very similar to mine: Trying to be something out of the ordinary. Having a talent and wanting to break free from what your parents want you to do. Wanting approval from your father, especially when your father doesn’t approve of the profession you’ve chosen.” The five-time Grammy Award® winner, Kennedy Center honoree and Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer was so moved and so inspired by the movie that he immediately envisioned the piece as a stage musical.

Billy Elliot is the story of an adolescent who discovers he has talent and passion for ballet, and pursues it despite the vehement objections of his father and the derision of his community, a coal-mining village in Northern England. Intertwined with Billy’s journey is the unfolding of the 1984 coal miners’ strike in Great Britain, an event so devastating that the repercussions are still felt to this day.

To learn more about Billy Elliot, please visit SCFTA.org.

'Billy Elliot' Brings in a Big Crowd for Movie Mondays

 

Summer kicked off officially last night at the Center with the start of our annual free Movie Mondays series. More than 2,000 movie-goers turned out to watch Billy Elliot, the coming-of-age story about an English coal miner’s son who dreams of being a ballet dancer. The movie was a sneak peak for when the musical comes to the Center as part of the 2012-13 Broadway Series.

Before the screening, there were fun Billy Elliot-themed contests and a raffle, all with fun-filled prizes. People were encouraged to come dressed as a ballerina, coal miner or boxer (photo left of some of the contestants). Winners Abby (in blue) and Delaney (in pink) won tickets to see Billy Elliot the Musical when it visits the Center in April 2013.

There was also a jump roping contest and all the lucky participants received tickets to the OC Fair. And Macy’s, one of this year’s sponsors of Movie Mondays, held a free raffle with $100 and $25 shopping gift cards and snack gift bags. 

On Monday, July 16, we’ll show the classic film An American in Paris featuring a score by George and Ira Gershwin and starring Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron and Oscar Levant. Click here for more info.

A big thanks to all the generous supporters of last night’s movie: Macy’s, OC Fair, Billy Elliot the Musical and Corner Bakery.

We hope to see you next week!