ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Boys in UK ballet still face stigma despite Billy Elliot effect

other · 2026-06-30

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

Sources