Boys in UK ballet still face stigma despite Billy Elliot effect
Twenty-six years after the release of the film Billy Elliot, boys studying ballet in Britain still largely keep it secret due to peer pressure. While the movie has contributed to a noticeable increase in male participation, particularly in boys-only classes, the social stigma persists. The Sunday Times reports that boys continue to face trouble from classmates at school.
Key facts
- Billy Elliot was released 26 years ago
- More boys now attend ballet classes in Britain
- Boys-only classes show the most growth
- Boys still face peer trouble at school
- Many boys keep their ballet studies secret
- Reported by The Sunday Times (UK)
Entities
Institutions
- The Sunday Times
Locations
- United Kingdom
- Britain