"* [ Record Scratches, Stops ]" "* I was dancing when I was 12 *" "* I was dancing when I was 12 *" "* I was dancing when I was out *" "* I was dancing when I was out *" "* I danced myself right out the womb *" "* I danced myself right out the womb *" "* Is it strange to dance so soon *" "* I danced myself right out the womb *" "* I was dancing when I was eight *" "* I was dancing when I was eight *" "* Is it strange to dance so late *" "* Is it strange to dance so late *" "* How *" "* How-ow-ow *" "* I danced myself into the tomb * [ Bell Rings ]" "* I danced myself into the tomb *" "* Is it strange to dance so soon *" "* I danced myself into the tomb *" "* Is it wrong to understand *" "* The fear that dwells inside a man *" "* What's it like to be a loon *" "Ah, no !" "* I liken it to a balloon *" "* How *" "* How-ow-ow *" "* I danced myself out of the womb *" "* I danced myself out of the womb *" "Grandma." "[ Gasps ]" "Your eggs." "It's Billy." "* I danced myself into the tomb *" "Come on." "* I danced myself out of the womb *" "* I danced myself out of the womb *" "* Is it strange to dance so soon *" "[ Record Scratches ] Fuck !" "You been playin' my records, you little twat !" "I never played naught." "Ow !" "Knobhead !" "If Dad knew you smoked that stuff, he'd go mental." "Fuck off, will ya ?" "Twat." "[ Softly ] * I danced myself out of the womb *" "[ Older Boy ] Here we go, Dad!" "Come on, man." "[ Mumbles ] Dad!" "Hurry up, Dad." "We'll be late." "The whole friggin' world's gonna be on that picket line this mornin'." "Oi!" "You tidy our room." "Dad!" "There's not much of this coal left." "It's fine." "We'll be digging it up again next month." "Don't kid yourself." "I'm not waitin' for youse." "Tony." "Tony !" "see you down the picket line, Dad." "[ Sighs ]" "Leave it, Billy." "Mam would've let us." "* [ Humming ]" "* [ Humming Continues ]" "[ Dad ] Your 50 pence is on the fridge." "*" "[ Men Chanting ] Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Are you sure you're not going to come ?" "Am I fuck." "It's a load of bollocks." "No, it's not." "It's a load of shite, kickin'people in." "Anyway, I don't know why you bother." " I'm good at it." "Are you shite ?" "Them gloves- They went out with the ark." " They're me dad's, these." " Exactly." "Right, lads." "Listen up here." "Hold it !" "Oi, oi !" "Here !" "Now, because they're using downstairs... as a soup kitchen for the striking'miners," "I'm going to let Mrs. Wilkinson... use the bottom end of the boxing' hall for her ballet lessons." "So no hanky-panky." "Understood ?" "[ Boys Together ] Yes." "Elliot, you're late." "Get changed and get in here." "* [ Piano ] All right then, lads." "Give it all you got!" "Round one." "Well, don't just stand there, Elliot!" "Oh, no !" "Not again !" "This is man-to-man-combat, not a bloody tea dance." "What're you doin', man ?" "Hit him !" "Greavesy, he's pissin'about." "Get stuck in and give him a belt." " He's like a fanny in a fit." " Billy, hit him !" "[ Trainer ] Jesus Christ, Billy Elliot!" "You're a disgrace to them gloves, your father... and the traditions of this boxing'hall." "You owe us 50 pence." "* [ Piano ] Ho !" "Liberace, will you give it a rest ?" "[ Piano stops ] Billy, punch bag." "You're not goin' until you do it properly." "Give these to Mrs. Wilkinson and her dance class when you've finished." "I'll see you next week." "[ Mrs. Wilkinson ] Okay, girls." "Left hand on the barre." "Thank you, Mr. Braithwaite." "And" "* [ Piano ] Pretty arms." "Bottoms in." "Where are you lookin', susan ?" "Lift." "Feel the music." "Feel it." "In time, Debbie, please." "And one, and two, and three, and four, and five, six, seven, eight." "And one, and two, and three, and four, five" "And hold." "Hold it." "support yourselves!" "Don't look at me." "Look ahead!" "Where's your confidence ?" "Come on." "And down." "* [ Piano Continues ]" "Lovely." "Oh, God." "And, Debbie, eyes front." "And five, and six, and seven, and stop." "For God's sake." "Thank you, Mr. Braithwaite." "Right into the center, girls, please." "Miss ?" "Miss, the keys." "Not now." "Right, Mr. Braithwaite." "'The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.'" "Fat chance." "Ready, and" "* [ Piano ] Port de bras forward." "And up." "Port de bras forward." "And up." "Why don't you join in ?" "Port de bras forward." "And up." "Port de bras forward." "And up, and hold." "And three, and four." "And, Debbie, straight leg." "seven and eight." "And one, and two, and three, and four, and five." "Boots off." "Seven and eight." "What size are you ?" "Miss, what about the keys ?" "Into the center." "Go on." "I dare ya." "Prepare." "And one, and two, and three, and four, and five, and six, and" "And eight, and hold." "Hold it." "Hold it." "Hold it." "Ooh, what have we got here, then ?" "Heel out." "Drop your hip." "Nice... straight leg." "Good arch." "Turn that leg out." "Right." "Class dismissed." "Home time." "Debbie, get the 50 P's." "[ Car Horn Honks ]" "You owe me 50 pence." "No, I don't !" " You do." "Why don't you bring it along next week ?" " Can't." "I'm goin' to boxing'." " But you're crap at boxing'." " No, I'm not !" "Shut up." "Thought you enjoyed it." "Please yourself, darlin'." "[ Voice Of Fred Astaire ] * I'm stepping out, my dear *" "* To breathe an atmosphere that simply wreaks with class *" "[ Feet Tap-dancing]" "* And I trust that you'll excuse my dust *" "* When I step on the gas *" "* For I'll be there putting down my top hat *" "* Mussing up my white tie *" "* Dancing in my tails *" "*" "He was your mam's favorite, was Fred Astaire." "We used to watch him at the Palace Picture House... and then dance round the front room like lunatics." "Marvelous !" "Mind, they used to say..." "I could've been a professional." "Come on, Grandma." "Not now." "Ooh !" "Grandma !" "It's this one here !" "Grandma !" "It's over here !" "Tony, do you ever think about death ?" "Fuck off !" "Night-night, then." "Plenty of boys do ballet, you know." "Do they now ?" "What boys do ballet ?" "Nobody around here, but plenty of men do." "Poofs." "Not necessarily poofs." "Who, like ?" "What about Wayne Sleep ?" "He's not a poof." "He's as fit as an athlete." "Bet he couldn't beat Daley Thompson." "Maybe not in a race, but in stamina." "Why don't you come tomorrow ?" "You can just watch." "I can't." "Gotta go to boxing', haven't I ?" "Please yourself, then." "See you around." "Aye." "See ya." "Ta-ra." "[ Excited Chattering ] [ Trainer ] Right, lads." "Look sharp." "Everybody, out!" "[ Wilkinson ] Turn, turn and stop." "One, two, three." "One, two, three." "Arms are in fifth." "One, two, three." "One, two, three." "Turn, turn and stop." "One, two, three." "One, two, three." "Where are those arms ?" "I don't know what to do." "Follow the orders." "Shut up, Debbie !" "One, two, three." "One, two, three." "Nice pretty arms." "And stop." "See ?" "I told you it takes loads of practice." "Debbie." "What, Mam ?" "What do you call me ?" "Miss." "Shove off." "So, do we get the pleasure of your company next week ?" "It's just" " I feel like a right sissy." "Well, don't act like one." "Fifty 'P,' please." "If you're not comin' again, give us your shoes." "Nah." "You're all right." "Right." "What're you doin', goin' round here like creeping Jesus ?" "Naught." "We found your nana in the Spar stores." "Where have you been ?" "Boxin'." "Where do you think ?" "What're you doin' ?" "I forgot me gloves." "They were my dad's gloves." "You better take better care of them, okay ?" "*" "* Well, you're dirty and sweet Clad in black *" "* Don't look back And I love you * Copy that diagram." "We only have five minutes left." "* You're dirty sweet and you're my girl *" "Ow !" "* Get it on Bang a gong *" "* Get it on *" "* Get it on Bang a gong *" "* Get it on *" "[ Coughing ]" "* Well, you're built like a car * Hurry." "This way." "* You got a hubcap diamond star halo *" "* You're built like a car, oh yeah * You go to ballet every week ?" "Yeah, but don't say aught." "Why do you take lessons ?" "Why do you think ?" "To get better, you diwy." "Do you get to wear a tutu ?" "Fuck off !" "They're only meant for lasses." "I wear me shorts." "You won't ask for a tutu ?" "What for ?" "To dance in." "I'd look a right dickhead." "I think you'd look wicked." "* Get it on Bang a gong *" "* Get it on * Come on." "[ Laughs ]" "* Well, you're windy and wild *" "* You got the blues in your shoes and your stockings *" "* You're windy and wild Oh yeah *" "* Well, you're built like a car *" "* You got a hubcap diamond star halo *" "* You're dirty sweet and you're my girl *" "* Get it on Bang a gong *" "* Get it on *" "[ Librarian ] I don't know why you're lookin'at that." "You can't take that out on a junior ticket." "[ siren Wailing ]" "Come on !" "[ siren Continues ] * Get it on *" "* Bang a gong Get it on *" "* Get it on Bang a gong *" "* Get it on * See you, then." "* Take me *" "[ Laughing, Excited Chattering ]" "[ Wilkinson ] Okay, Billy Elliot, into the center." "I want you to watch carefully, girls." "First, arabesque." "* [ Piano ] Drop your shoulders." "Look forward, beyond your fingertips." "There !" "[ Groans ]" "Spin it, Mr. Braithwaite." "Spin it !" "Come on." "Spin it !" "Now, focus !" "Look at yourselves !" "Look in the mirror !" "Ahh !" "Christ Almighty, what was that ?" "[ Dad ] Oi!" "What's goin'on ?" "Uh, nothin'." "[ Wilkinson ] Prepare, one and two." "strong position." "Weight on both legs." "And... pirouette." "And down." " [ Groans ]" "[ Girls Giggling ] Up you get." "[ Water sloshing ]" "Find a place on that bloody wall... and focus on that spot." "Then whip your head round and come back to that spot." "Prepare." "One, and two, and- Fuck it." "Have you got the spot ?" "Prepare!" " Prepare." " [ Whispers ] Prepare." "Go !" "Go !" "Go !" "Go !" "Go, Billy!" "What have I told you about that arm ?" "Right." "Back to the barre." "You look like a right wanker to me, son." "[ Trainer ] Listen, Jackie." "[ Trainer ] Listen, Jackie." "It was just 50 pence a session, you know." "I can do without it." "I do not do it for the money." "What are you talkin' about ?" "The boxing', man." "I haven't seen hide nor hair of your Billy for months." "I was gonna say something, but I thought it might be embarrassing'." "First I knew about it." "He's never got his gloves off." "Send him round to my house, and I'll sharp knock some sense into him." "[ Shouting ]" "[ Men Chanting ] Scab !" "Scab !" "Step open and balance." "Balance, balance." "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Right." "Let's do it again." "[ Chanting ]" "Open..." "and lift your chest." "Let's do it again." "Thank you, Mr. Braithwaite." "[ Wilkinson ] step open." "Open your arms." "Do it." "[ Chanting ]" "Pay attention." "Arms." "Like this." "All right ?" "Thank you, Mr. Braithwaite." "Step really open !" "[ Shouting ] [ Wilkinson ] Powerful!" "Proud!" "* [ Piano ]" "You're not concentrating'." "Yes, I am concentrating'." "You're not even tryin'." " Can we have a go of it, Miss ?" " Let's do it again." "Have you noticed anything weird about our Billy lately ?" "What, are you after like a list ?" "[ Dad ] Aye, aye." "Got enough food there, scab ?" "What're you doin' ?" "Eh ?" "Scabs eat well, eh ?" "You're me best mate." "First rule of a union, Gary." "You never cross a picket line." "Fucking hell." "We're all fucked if you forget that !" "We're fucked anyway!" "[ Door slams shut ]" "[ Radio Newscaster ] In a speech to Tory M.P. 's yesterday," "Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher... referred to members of the striking National Union of Mine Workers... as 'the enemy within. '" "The speech comes following several months of violent clashes... between police officers and striking miners" "See you, then." "[ Tony ] Wait!" "Y-Your breakfast" "What the hell's he up to ?" "One, two, three." "Pas de bourree." "And a one, two, three." "And a turn." "And a one, two, three." "Pas de bourree." "And a one, two, three." "Pas de bourree." "And a one, two, three." "Pas de bourree." "And a one, two, three." "Pas de bourree." "And a one, two, three." "Pas de bourree." "And a one, two, three." "Pas de bourree." "You, out!" "Now!" "I beg your pardon ?" "[ Girls Giggling ]" "Please, Miss, don't." "All right, which way are we facing ?" "Come on." "And a one, two, three." "Pas de bourree." " Ballet." " What's wrong with ballet ?" " 'What's wrong with ballet' ?" " It's perfectly normal." "[ Dad ] Perfectly normal?" "I used to go to ballet." "See ?" "Aye, for your nana." "For girls." "Not for lads, Billy." "Lads do football or... boxing' or... wrestling' !" "Not friggin'ballet!" "What lads do wrestling' ?" "Don't start, Billy." "I don't see what's wrong with it." "You know perfectly well what's wrong with it." "No, I don't." "Yes, you do." "No, I don't !" "Yes, you bloody well do !" "Who do you think I am ?" "You know quite nicely !" "What ?" "What are you tryin' to say, Dad?" "You're askin' for a hiding', son." "No, I'm not." "Honest." "You are, Billy." "Billy!" "It's not just poofs, Dad." "some ballet dancers are as fit as athletes." "What about that Wayne Sleep ?" "He was a ballet dancer." " Wayne Sleep ?" " Aye." "Listen, son, from now on you can forget about the fucking ballet." "You can forget about the fuckin'boxin'as well." "I'm bustin' my ass for those 50 pences, and you're" " No !" "From now on you stay here and look after your nana." "Got that ?" "Good." "They used to say I could have been a professional dancer... if I'd had the training." "Will you shut up ?" "I hate you !" "You're a bastard !" "[ Shouts ]" "Get off !" "Billy !" "Billy !" "[ Dad ] Billy!" "* But you won't fool *" "* The children of the revolution *" "* No, you won't fool *" "* The children of the revolution No, no, no *" "[ Grunting ]" "* Yeah *" "[ Grunting ]" "Aah !" "[ Dog Barking ]" "* You won't fool the children of the revolution *" "* No, you won't fool *" "* The children of the revolution *" "* No, you won't fool *" "* The children of the revolution *" "[ Doorbell Rings ] * No, you won't fool *" "* The children of the revolution *" "* No way *" "* No way *" "Oh, hello." "[ Sighs ] My dad'll kill me if he knows I'm here." "He stopped you comin' to classes." "It's not his fault, Miss." " That's all right with you, is it ?" " I suppose so." " You should stand up to him." " You don't know what he's like." "Well, that blows it." "Blows what, Miss ?" "Debbie ?" "[ Mr. Wilkinson ] I've heard a lot about you." "Durham's little Gene Kelly, eh ?" "Your dad work down the pit, then ?" "Yeah." "Must be hard for the family being out on strike." "He is out on strike, isn't he ?" "'Course." "I shouldn't worry." "It won't last long." "Tom, don't." "If they had a ballot, they'd be back tomorrow." "It's just a few bloody commies stirring' things up." "Let's face it." "They haven't got a leg to stand on." "Who doesn't ?" "The miners." "It stands to reason, doesn't it ?" "some pits arejust uneconomical." "If it costs more money to pay everybody... to dig the coal out than you get for the coal when you sell it, what does that tell ya ?" "Don't know." "You wanna think about that, don't you, son ?" "Tom." "If it was up to me, I'd shut the lot of'em down tomorrow." "For God's sake." "What do you do, Mr. Wilkinson ?" "[ Debbie ] He's been made redundant." "I thought he was gonna hit me or somethin'." "Don't be silly." "He's just under a lot of pressure." "That's what mam says." "I think it's because he drinks too much." "Does he drink too much ?" "He's always pissed." "Once he pissed himself." "Your dad ?" "Because he's unhappy, because they sleep in separate beds." "Why do they sleep in separate beds ?" "So they can't have sex." "Do they not have sex ?" "Dad did it with this woman from work, but they don't think I know." "Do you miss your mam, then ?" "Don't really miss her as such." "It's more like just feelin' sad." "Especially when I remember her all of a sudden." "When I forgot that she was dead and that." "What about your mam ?" "Does she not have sex ?" "No, she's unfulfilled." "That's why she does dancing'." "She does dancin' instead of sex ?" "Your family's weird." "No, they're not." "They are, though." "They're mental." "[ Laughing ]" "Ow !" "Get off !" "[ Male singer ] * Wow *" "See ?" "You're a nutter, you." "[ Mrs. Wilkinson ] Debbie!" "It's time for Billy to go home!" "Come on, Billy." "I'll drop you off at the corner." "I'll see ya, Debbie." "[ Door Opens, Closes ]" "Okay, then." "Miss, what have I blown ?" "[ Engine stops ]" "This'll sound strange, Billy, but for some time now..." "I've been thinkin' of the Royal Ballet School." "Aren't you a bit old, Miss ?" "Ooh, not me." "You !" "I'm the bloody teacher !" "They hold auditions in Newcastle." "I'd never be good enough." "I hardly know aught." "They're not interested in how much ballet you know." "They'll teach you that." "That's why they're a ballet school." "It's how you move and how you express yourself that's important." "Express what ?" "I think you're good enough to go for it." "It would mean an awful lot of hard work." "But I'm banned." "Then maybe I should have a word with him." "No, Miss !" "I could teach you on your own, if you want." "We couldn't afford it." "I'm not doin' it for the money, Billy." "But what about Dad ?" "He doesn't need to know." "What about me boxing' ?" "Oh, for fuck's sake, Billy !" "If you want to piss about with your little mates, that's fine with me." "All right, don't lose your blob." "'Blob' ?" "So we could do it private-like ?" "Just you and me." "Miss, you don't fancy me, do you ?" "No, Billy, funnily enough, I don't." "Now, piss off." "Piss off, yourself." "see you Monday, then." "[ Dog Barks ]" " Are you comin' in or what ?" " What are you doin' ?" "Nothin'." "Just dressing' up." "Whose dress is that ?" "Come on." "Whose dress is that ?" "It's me sister's." "Did she give you it ?" "she doesn't know." "Do you wanna try ?" "You can have one of me mam's." "Nah." "You're all right." "What're you doin' that for?" "I'm just tryin' it on." "Christ." "Come here." "Stay still." "There." "Won't we get in trouble ?" "Don't be stupid." "Me dad does it all the time." "He dresses up in your mam's clothes ?" "Only when he thinks everybody's out." "Have you got a tutu yet ?" "Do you think being a ballet dancer... would be better than being a miner ?" "I don't know." "It's just, I've got this audition in Newcastle in a couple of weeks." "What for ?" "For to go to ballet school." " Ballet school ?" "Is that in Newcastle ?" " London." "You'd have to move, with your Tony and everybody ?" "No." "By meself." "That's a bit steep." " Can't you be a ballet dancer here ?" " Don't be stupid !" "So, when you goin' there, then ?" "I don't know." "I haven't even got in yet." "What does your dad say ?" "He doesn't know." "Fuckin'hell!" " Are you not going to tell him ?" " Not yet, anyway." "He might be pleased about it." "He could rent your room out." "He couldn't." "What about our Tony ?" "What do you reckon ?" "I think you shouldn't bother." "Why not ?" "I'd miss you." "[ Sighs ] Fuckin' hell." "Brought your things ?" "I don't know if they're right, Miss." "If they're special to you, they're right." "What are they for ?" "To give us some ideas for a dance." "Come on, then." "Let's see 'em." "What's that ?" "It's a letter." "I can see it's a letter." "It's me mam's." "she wrote it for when I was 1 8, but I opened it." "Here." "'To my son Billy." "'Dear Billy." "'I know I must seem like a distant memory to you, 'which is probably a good thing." "'It will have been a long time, 'and I will have missed seeing you grow." "'Missed you crying, laughing, 'Laughing... and shouting.' and shouting.'" "'I will have missed telling you off." "'But please know I was always there... '...with you through everything.' 'with you through everything, 'and I always will be." "'And I am proud to have known you, 'and I am proud that you were mine." "'Always be yourself." "I love you forever.'" "'Mam.'" "She must've been a very special woman, your mother." "No, she was just me mam." "I brought tape and all." "What is it ?" "'I Love to Boogie.'" "It's one of our Tony's." "*" "* We love to boogie *" "* We love to boogie *" "* Jitterbug boogie *" "* Bolan pretty boogie *" "* We love to boogie on a saturday night *" "* Belinda Mae Fender's got a Cadillac bone * Spin it !" "Go on !" "* Jenny lost her cherry walking' all the way home *" "* The passion of the earth blasted its mind *" "* Now it's neat sweet ready for the moon based grind *" "* We love to boogie We love to boogie on a saturday night *" "* I said we love to boogie *" "* We love to boogie * And tap." "Go !" "* High school boogie *" "* Jitterbug boogie *" "[ Gargling ] * We love to boogie on a saturday night *" "* Oh yeah *" "Whoo-whee !" "Yee-haw !" "*" "* You rattlesnake out with your tail feathers high *" "* Jitterbug left and smile to the sky *" "* With your black velvet cape and your stovepipe hat *" "* Bebop baby The dance is where it's at *" "* I love to boogie *" "* Yes, I love to boogie on a saturday night *" "* I said I love to boogie *" "* I love to boogie *" "* Jitterbug boogie I love to boogie *" "Grandma, teatime." "Where are you goin' ?" "Go back to sleep." "It's 4:00." "[ Cigarette Lighter Clicks ]" "You weren't thinkin' of taking it with you ?" "You just wanna stand around getting the shit kicked out you, that's your funeral." "But some of us are ready to fight back for once." "They're already after you." " You're no good to us in jail." " I don't plan on getting caught." " What's going on ?" " You, get back to bed !" " Both of you!" " Fuck you." "Put it down." "You gonna stop me ?" "I'm warnin' you." "[ Tony ] You haven't got it in you." "You're finished!" "since mam died, you're nothing but a useless twat!" "What the fuck you gonna do about it ?" "Stop it !" "[ Sighs ]" "What the fuck are you lookin'at ?" "You haven't been practicin'." "Prepare." "One, two." "And one, and two" "Get up." "Miss, I can't do it." "That's because you're not concentrating'." "I am concentrating'." " You're not even tryin' !" " I am, Miss !" " Do it again." " Can't." "You do it again." "No !" "Shit !" "I'm sorry." "It's all right for you." "It's not you who has to do it!" "I know." "You don't know anything!" "What do you know in your posh house... with your husband that pisses hisself?" "You're the same as everybody else." "All you want is to tell me what to do !" "Now wait a minute!" "Look, I don't wanna do your stupid, fucking audition !" " You only want me to do it for your own benefit !" " Look, Billy" "Because you're a failure !" "Don't you dare talk to me like that!" "You don't even have a proper dancing school !" "You're stuck in some crummy boxing hall." "Don't pick on me 'cause you fucked up your own life !" "[ Crying ]" "[ Billy ] Can I put a tape on, Miss ?" "All right, if you must." "* [ Tape.:" "Swan Lake ]" "*" "[ seagulls squawking ]" "* [ Swan Lake Continues ]" "*" "[ Billy ] It's cush, isn't it ?" "so, is there a story, then, Miss ?" "Of course." "It's about a woman who's captured by an evil magician." "Sounds crap." "And this woman- this beautiful woman... is forced to be a swan." "Except for a few hours every night... when she becomes alive." "She becomes real again." "And then one night... she meets this young prince," "and he falls in love with her." "And she realizes... this is the one thing that will allow her... to become a real woman once more." "So then what happens ?" "He promises to marry her and then goes off with someone else, of course." " So she has to be a swan for good ?" " She dies." "Because the prince didn't love her ?" "Come on." "It's time to go." "It's only a ghost story." "Come on !" "[ Engine starting ]" "* [ Swan Lake Continues ]" "*" "No !" "No, no." "It's me." "It's Billy." "Oh, little one." "Oi, little one." "What have I told you about drinkin' out of the bottle ?" "Sorry, Mam." "Well, put it back." "[ Sighs ]" "One." "Lift and reach." "Down, and one." "Breathe and stretch." "Stretch, and one." "Lift and stretch." "Back, and one." "Lift, and lengthen that foot." "And it's one." "Extend." "Reach out." "Lift and breathe." "And one." "Lift out... and close." "And one." "Lift." "When's the audition, then ?" "Tomorrow mornin'." "I'll miss you if you go away." "Who do you think's better ?" "Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers ?" "Billy, do you not fancy us, like ?" "Don't know." "Never really thought about it." "If you want, I'll show you me fanny." "No." "You're all right." "* Oh oh oh oh *" "* Oh oh oh *" "* Now get this *" "* London calling to the faraway towns * Get inside !" "* Now war is declared and battle come down * The union leader !" "Get him !" "* London calling to the underworld * Get down !" "* Come out of the cupboard you boys and girls *" "* London calling Now don't look to us *" "* Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust *" "* London calling see we ain't got no swing *" "* Except for the ring of the truncheon thing *" "* The Ice Age is comin' The sun's zooming in * Thanks, pet." "* Meltdown expected The wheat is growing thin *" "* Engines stop running but I have no fear *" "* 'Cause London is drowning and I live by the river *" "* London calling to the imitation zone *" "* Forget it, brother You could go it alone *" "* London calling to the zombies of death * Shit !" "* Quit holding out and draw another breath *" "* London calling and I don't wanna shout *" "* But while we were talking I saw you nodding out *" "* London calling see, we ain't got no highs *" "[ Policeman ] Here they come!" "* London calling see, we ain't got no swing *" "* Except for the ring of the truncheon thing *" "* Except for that one with the yellowy eyes *" "* The Ice Age is comin' The sun's zooming in *" "* Engines stop running The wheat is growing thin *" "* A nuclear error But I have no fear *" "* 'Cause London is drowning and I * Tony !" "* I live by the river *" "Tony, go back !" "* I never felt so much a'like, a'like * [ Tony shouting ]" "Go on." "Get in there !" "Off you go, mate !" "[ Ringing ]" "[ Billy ] Miss, I've got a problem with the audition." "Hello ?" "Hello !" "Listings for court four." "Tony Elliot, George Brunton." "Gary Cummings." "What's the time ?" "Colin Woodward." "Ten past 1 0:00." "Oh, Billy !" "Hello." "Can I help you ?" "I was lookin' for- They're out." "Sorry." "Sorry." "Billy." "Please, Miss." "Don't." "What's goin' on, Billy ?" "Who the fuck are you ?" "I think we better go inside." "This might be difficult for you, but today Billy missed a very important audition." "Audition ?" "For the Royal Ballet School." "The Royal Ballet ?" "School." "It's where they teach the ballet." "You've got to be jokin'." "No, I'm perfectly serious." "Have you any idea of what we're goin' through ?" "I've been in a fuckin'cell all night, and you come around here talkin' shite !" "And you!" "Fuckin'ballet !" "What are you trying to do, make him a fuckin'skirt for the rest of his life ?" "Look at him !" "He's only 1 1 , for fuck's sake !" " You've gotta start trainin' from when you're young." " Shut it !" "I'm not havin'any brother of mine running around like a twat for your gratification." "Excuse me." "This is not for my gratification." "What good's it gonna do him ?" "You're not takin' him away." "He's only a bairn." "What about givin' him a childhood ?" "I don't want a childhood." "I want to be a ballet dancer." "What do you know about it ?" "What qualifications have you got ?" "I haven't come here to defend meself." "For all we know, you could be some fuckin'nutter." "Get the fuckin'social on to you." " You should calm yourself down, son." " You say he can dance." "Well, go on, then." "[ Billy Grunts ] Let's see this fuckin' dancin'." " This is ridiculous." " If you're a fuckin' ballet dancer, then let's be havin' you !" " Don't you dare !" " What sort of a teacher are you, eh ?" "He's got the chance to dance." "Now you're fuckin' telling' him not to." "Dance, you little twat !" "No ?" "So piss off." "He's not doin'anymore fuckin'ballet, and if you go near him again, I'll smack you, you middle-class cow !" "You know nothing about me, you sanctimonious little shit !" "* stop dreaming of the quiet life *" "He won't grow up to race whippets or grow leeks... or piss his wages up the wall." "He's been with me" "* Well, stop apologizing for the things you've never done *" "* Time is short and life is cruel *" "* But it's up to us to change this town called Malice *" "* Rows and rows of disused milk floats stand dying in the dairy yard *" "* And a hundred lonely housewives clutch empty milk bottles to their hearts *" "* Hanging out their old love letters on the line to dry *" "* It's enough to make you stop believing *" "* When tears come fast and furious in a town called Malice *" "* Yeah *" "* Ba ba ba ba ba da ba *" "* Ba ba ba da ba Oh *" "* Ba ba ba ba ba da ba Ba ba ba da ba * * struggle after struggle Year after year *" "* The atmosphere's a fine blend of ice *" "* I'm almost stone-cold dead in a town called Malice *" "* Ooh yeah *" "* A whole street's belief in sunday's roast beef *" "* Gets dashed against the co-op *" "* To either cut down the beer or the kids'new gear *" "* It's a big decision in a town called Malice *" "* Ooh yeah *" "Ah !" "* Ooh * Billy !" "Billy !" "* The ghost of a steam train echoes down my track *" "* It's at the moment bound for nowhere *" "* Just going round and round, oh *" "* Playground kids and creaking swings *" "* Lost laughter in the breeze *" "* I could go for hours and I probably will *" "* But I'd sooner put somejoy back in this town called Malice *" "* Yeah * [ Groaning ]" "* Ooh-ooh * [ Grunting ]" "* Town called Malice * [ Angry Grunting ]" "* Yeah, yeah *" "[ Grunting ]" "[ Panting ]" "[ Grunting ]" "[ Grunts ]" "[ Boy ] Billy!" "Billy, come on !" "Hurry up." "[ Trainer ] Merry Christmas, everybody!" "[ Cheering ]" "[ Crowd Chanting ] * Here we go, here we go here we go *" "* Here we go here we go here we go *" "* Here we go here we go here we go *" "* Here we go Here we go *" "* Here we go here we go here we go *" "[ Chanting Fades ] * Here we go, here we go here we go *" "[ Man shrieking ]" "Do you think she'll mind ?" "Shut up, boy." "She's dead." "Well, merry Christmas, everybody." "Merry Christmas." "[ Tony ] Merry Christmas." "Merry Christmas." "[ Sobbing ]" "[ Sobbing ]" "[ Crying ]" "[ Billy ] * Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way *" "* Oh, what fun- *" "* Oh, what fun- *" "Fuckin' great Christmas this has been." "Go on." "Have some." "Where'd you get it ?" "Me dad's got loads in the kitchen." "Won't he notice ?" "He never knows how much is there." "[ Spits ] Tastes like piss." "You get used to it." "Here." "Maybe you could run away or something." "You know, join a dancin' troupe." "Don't be so stupid." "Well, maybe it's all for the best." "What do you mean ?" "You won't have to go away or nothin'." "Me hands are freezing'." "Give us 'em here." "What are you doin' ?" "Nothin'." "Just warmin' your hands up." "You're not a poof or aught ?" "What gave you that impression ?" "Aren't your hands cold ?" "I quite like it." "Just 'cause I like ballet... doesn't mean I'm a poof, you know." "You" " You won't tell anyone, will you ?" "Come on." "It's fuckin' freezin' in here." "Here." "What's this ?" "Just put it on." "A tutu." "[ Chattering ] ...and as he's walking through the bush there," "George." "George, there's somebody in the club." "this kangaroo, he's walkin' away over it, right ?" "And he's called Norman." "[ Laughing ]" "And then round the corner came this wallaby" "* [ Classical Piano ]" "* [ Music Continues ]" "Plie, first." "What's a pile ?" "It's French." "Why's it French ?" "I don't know." "Second." "Like a princess." "Second, and down." "And first." "Carry on." "Fifth." "Shoulders down, long neck." "How do I look ?" "Fuck off." "Shut up, you poof." "[ Billy ] second, and down." "And first." "[ Billy ] Fifth. second." "Down." "First." "Fifth." "Jackie." "Jackie, man." "Here." "Give us your hand." "[ Both Laughing ]" "Dance!" "* [ Orchestra Playing Folk Arrangement On Tape ]" "* [ Music Continues ]" "[ stomping Feet ]" "* [ Music Continues ]" "Dad !" "Go home, son." "[ Dog Barking ]" "[ Doorbell Rings ]" "It is a friend of yours, then." "How much is it gonna cost ?" "And a happy Christmas to you too." "Not as much as you might think." "Maybe two grand." "But there's a good chance the council's- Two grand?" "I was talkin' about the auditions." "Look, if it's just a matter of the trip to London," "I'll give you the money for the fare." "I didn't come here to be patronized." "Oh, no one's tryin' to patronize you." "You're bein' ridiculous." "Am I ?" "Yes !" "[ Sighs ] Thanks for everything you've done for Billy." "But he is my son, isn't he ?" "[Jackie's Voice ] I'll handle this myself." "[ Footsteps, Floorboards Creaking ]" "[ Man ] Hey, fellow." "Name." "You." "[ Man #2 ] Paul." "[ Man #1 ] surname." "Felton." "Felton." "[ Man #1 ] shorty." "You." "[ Man #1 ] What ?" "Thorpe." "Thorpe." "[ Man #1 speaking, Indistinct ]" "Smith." "smith." "Glenton." "[ Man #1 ] Glenton." "Kerner." "Kerner." "[ Man #1 ] Is that the lot, then ?" "Fuckin'hell." "Never thought I'd see you down here." "Things change, eh ?" "Right, you, name." "Jackie Elliot." "Well, glad to see you've come to your senses." "Who's a big man now, eh ?" "[ Man #1 ] Right." "Okay, you lot." "Over here." "All aboard the skylark." "Look lively." "Can't smoke on here, mate." "These are private buses." "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "[ Horn Honking ]" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "[ Thudding ]" "[ Shouting ]" "[ Shouting ]" "[ Chanting ] Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Fuckin' prats !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab !" "Scab" "Fuck off !" "[ Chanting Continues ]" "Dad !" "Dad !" "Give us a hand." "[ Tony ] Dad!" "What the fuck you doin' ?" "Dad, you can't go back !" "Not now !" "Look at the state of us." "What we got to offer the poor sod ?" "You can't do this !" "Not now !" "Not after all this time !" "Not after everything we've been through !" "It's for wee Billy !" "He may be a fuckin' genius for all we know !" "Fuck !" "For fuck's sake, Dad !" "You can't do this !" "Dad !" "Dad !" "Tony !" "[ Tony ] He's only 1 1 , for fuck's sake !" "He's a kid." "He's just a fuckin' little kid !" "I'm sorry." "I'm sorry." "Please." "Please." "[ Sobbing ]" "Please." "We're finished, son." "[ Crying ] What choice have we got, eh ?" "Let's give the boy a fuckin' chance !" "Please." "Please, don't do this." "Dad, we'll find him some money." "We'll find it for him." "[ Crying ]" "What the fuck is he doin', Tony ?" "It's okay." "He's gonna be okay." "[ Man ] Just get him out of here, Tony." "[ Crying ] Away." "Leave it." "Go on." "Leave us." "Leave us." "Let's go home, Dad." "Dad's right, you know." "Mam would've let you." "[ George ] All them 50 pences." "Here." "It was a toss-up between a new punch bag or you." "It's not even enough for the bed and breakfast." "Forget about it." "You're dreamin'." "Look at youse." "Fuckin' scrabblin' round for 50 pences." "[ Tony ] You've got to do better than that." "How ?" "I'm gonna have a raffle at the welfare." "And I'm gonna organize a concert." "Thanks, George." "[ Billy speaking, Indistinct ]" "[ Tony ] sheila's not got that kind of money." "she can't even keep her soup kitchen open." "[ Billy ] George said we can have another whip-round." "[ Tony ] Billy, there's no money left." "Get that through your head, man !" "[ George ] The lads will always dip into their buckets if we ask them." "[ Tony ] George, you know there's nothing left." "stop putting ideas in his head, man !" "[ Sobbing ]" "[ Man ] Come on, lads." "Dig deep for the miners." "Is that absolutely necessary ?" "Walk normal, will ya ?" "So what's it like, like ?" "What's what like ?" "London." "I don't know, son." "I never made it past Durham." "Have you never been, like ?" "Why would I want to go to London ?" "It's the capital city." "Well, there's no mines in London." "Christ." "Is that all you think about ?" "Can I help you ?" "Billy Elliot." "We've come for an audition." "[ Woman ] Oh, you mean William Elliot." "[Jackie ] Yeah, William." "Can you go upstairs, please ?" "This way ?" "Thanks." "Yes." "[ Boy #1 ] This your first time ?" "[ Boy #2 ] Yeah." "I've been doing this for two years now." "Hello." "Nerve-racking, isn't it ?" "Where are you from ?" "Everington." "County Durham." "Durham ?" "Isn't there an amazing cathedral ?" "Don't know." "Never been." "[ Man ] Up on the box, please." "All right, bend over." "Right down." "And come up." "Come up." "Head down." "Tiny curvature here." "Head down !" "How tiny ?" "Might not be a problem." "Come on." "Keep coming." "Relax." "All right." "Jump up, William." "It's Billy." "Billy Elliot." "* [ Piano ] Two, three and four." "Dad." "Dad !" "Dad, for fuck's sake!" "I changed me mind." "Get back in there !" "Don't be so stupid !" "And you are ?" "Billy Elliot from Everington." "[ Man ] I beg your pardon ?" "Billy Elliot." "Ah, yes, of course." "Come to the barre, please, Billy." "Left arm on the barre." "Feet first." "Arms second." "Demi-plie and... hold." "[ Whispering ]" "Now, Billy, we'd like to see you move to some music." "Do you have a piece prepared ?" "[ Tape Player Clicks On ]" "* [ Orchestra Playing Folk Arrangement ]" "[ Grunts ]" "[ Grunts ]" "* [ Music Continues ]" "[ Music stops, Tape Player Clicks Off ]" "Thank you." "You all right ?" "What's the matter ?" "It was a waste of fuckin' time !" "Don't be upset." "It's only a stupid audition." "It's all right." "Fuck off !" "There's always next year." "Look." "Fuck off, will ya !" "Oh- You bent bastard !" "What on earth's going on here ?" "How did it go ?" "Shit !" "[ Man ] Mr. Elliot, I'm afraid that mutual respect... and self-discipline are absolute prerequisites for any pupil in this school." "such displays of violence cannot be tolerated under any circumstances." "Do you understand?" "I realize we shall have to consider this very seriously... and it will be bound to affect our final decision." "Yes, well, just a few questions, then." "Billy, can you tell us... why you first became interested in ballet ?" "Don't know." "Just was." " Well, was there any... particular aspect of the ballet which... caught your imagination ?" "The dancing'." "He dances all the time." "Every night after school." "Yes." "Well, we have a very enthusiastic letter... from Mrs. Wilkinson, and, uh, she has told us... of your personal circumstances." "Mr. Elliot, are you a fan of the ballet ?" "I wouldn't exactly say I was an expert." "You do realize that all pupils... must attain the highest standards, not just in ballet but in their ordinary academic work." "No child can succeed without the 1 00% support of the family." "You are completely behind Billy ?" "Are you not ?" "Yes." "Yes, of course." "Do you want to ask us some questions ?" "[ Clears Throat ]" "No, not- Not really, no." "[ Man ] Well, in that case, we shall let you know in due course." "[ Woman ] Just one last question." "Can I ask you, Billy, what does it feel like... when you're dancing ?" "Don't know." "Sort of feels good." "It's sort of stiff and that, but once I get goin', then I, like, forget everything'." "And... sort of disappear." "Sort of disappear." "Like I feel a change in me whole body." "Like there's fire in me body." "I'm just there, flying'... like a bird." "Like electricity." "Yeah." "Like electricity." "Have a safe journey home." "Mr. Elliot, good luck with the strike." "[ Grandma ] Toast!" "I think you should get yourself a trade, son." "Somethin' useful." "I could have been a professional dancer." "What happened to the dinosaurs, miss ?" "[ Woman ] They were crushed as well, and the pressure of all of this caused the plants and trees to change into coal." "Ow !" "That's what must have happened to her." "Michael Caffrey, if you have got something to say, you can say it to the class." "Sorry, miss." "[ Teacher ] so, gradually, over hundreds of thousands of years" "Post !" "This is it." "Have you heard anything yet ?" "Not yet." "You'll have no problem, man." "Fingers crossed, eh ?" "[ Door Closes ]" "[ Sniffles ] I got in." "He did it !" "He fuckin' did it !" "[ Man ] Jackie, have you not heard, man ?" "We're goin' back." "[ Man #2 ] strike's over, Jackie." "The union caved in yesterday." "[ Billy ] I think I'm scared, Dad." "[Jackie ] That's okay, son." "We're all scared." "If I don't like it, can I still come back ?" "You kiddin' ?" "We've let out your room." "[ Chuckling ] [ Laughing ]" "Whoa !" "[ Laughing ] Whoo !" "[ Both Laughing ]" "* [ Classical On Piano ]" "[ Mrs. Wilkinson ] ...four, five, six, seven, eight." "And one, two, three, four, five, six, seven" "Keep going, girls!" "Three, four, five" "[ Hinge squeaking ]" "Miss, I just came to tell you." "It's all right, Billy." "I heard it from Debbie." "Look, it was just" "Well, you know, after everything." "I'll miss you, Miss." "No, you won't." "I will." "Honest." "This is when you go out and find life... and all those other things." "The best of luck, Billy." "[ Mrs. Wilkinson ] Right." "Back to the barre, girls." "And again." "Thank you." "* [ Piano Resumes ] One, two, three, four" "Debbie, eyes front." "seven and eight." "And one, two, three, four, five, six, seven." "Was she there ?" "Yeah." "You'll miss the bus." "We're off." "I'll take it." "Give us the bag." "Okay, we're late." "We've no time for that." "[ Bickering ]" "I'll take it." "Good-bye, Billy." "See ya." "Oi, dancin' boy !" "We'll miss the bus, Billy." "Will you stop being an old fuckin' woman ?" "See you, then." "[ Engine starting ]" "[ Chuckles ]" "[ No Audible Dialogue ]" " I'll miss you." " What ?" "Can't hear you." "[ Bell Ringing ]" "Dad." "Come on, man." "We're gonna be late." "Dad !" "Come on !" "[ Doorman ] Show's just started." "Excuse me." "Can you tell Billy Elliot that his family's here ?" "* [ Orchestra Plays Music from Swan Lake ]" "Sorry, mate." "It's all right, Tony." "It's me, Michael." "Remember ?" "It's Michael." "What the bloody hell you doin' here ?" "I wouldn't have missed it for the world." "* [ Music Continues ]" "[ Man ] stand by, please." "Billy, your family are here." "Thanks." "* [ Music swells ]" "Subtitles by Angyalka 2003 * [ Rock And Roll ]" "* Ride it on out like a bird in the skyway *" "* Ride it on out like you were a bird *" "* Fly it all out like an eagle in a sunbeam *" "* Ride it on out like you were a bird *" "* Wear a tall hat like a Druid in the old days *" "* Wear a tall hat and a tattooed gown *" "* Ride a white swan like the people of the Beltane *" "* Wear your hair long Babe, you can't go wrong *" "* Da dee-dee da *" "* If I believe that I could do anything *" "* Can I spread my wings and say good-bye *" "* so many people told me I couldn't win *" "* Look at me now Here I am in heaven's sky *" "* And sometimes I say a prayer *" "* Wishing that you could be here with me *" "* 'Cause I believe *" "* I believe in love *" "* It's the best of everything *" "* I believe in hope *" "* And the changes it can bring *" "* If you believe that nothing can stand in your way *" "* Just say *" "* It's a fact of life that we're all in the game *" "* But it's still your call *" "* But we all play it * * sometimes we win sometimes we fall *" "* But there's no reason just to give it up *" "* 'Cause after all *" "* If you can't choose what to be *" "* You can choose what to dream *" "* And I believe *" "* Oh, yeah, I believe *" "* Oh *" "* If you can't choose what to be *" "* You can choose what to dream *" "* And I believe *" "* I believe in love *" "* It's the best of everything *" "* I believe in hope *" "* And the changes it can bring *" "* If you believe that nothing can stand in your way *" "* Just say *" "* Oh, I believe *" "* Do you believe *" "* Would you believe me if I said I'd never lie *" "* Though it ain't easy I can tell you I have tried *" "* But I gotta say that it comes those days *" "* That I told something untrue *" "* Would you forgive me if I said I'd lied to you *" "* This is my fear to tell you what I've done *" "* As things come clear I'm afraid that you'll be gone *" "* But all I know is if you go *" "* At least I've told what's true *" "* Hope you'll forgive me when I say I've lied to you *" "* Yeah, I'm burning up *" "* I'm burning for you *" "* When the truth has been spoken *" "* There's nothing to do *" "* Yes, I'm burning up * * Burning up *" "* I'm burning for you *" "* When the truth has been spoken *" "* There's nothing to do Oh, yeah *" "* Yes, I'm burning up * * I'm burning up *" "* I'm burning up * * I'm burning up *" "* I'm burning up * * I'm burning up *" "* Yes, I'm burning up * * I'm burning up *" "* That's right Yes, I am * * Oh, I'm burning up *" "* I'm burning up * * Oh, I'm burning up *" "* I'm burning up * * I'm burning up *" "* Oh *"