Billy Elliot the Musical is the story of a young boy who aspires to have a career in ballet. After seeing the show, people are often surprised to discover the broad movement palette utilized by choreographer Pete Darling. The choreography encompasses tap, hip hop, jazz, acrobatics, and folk dancing; even a simple activity such as walking is used as a form of expression.

That diversity was very deliberate. “I didn’t want to convey the notion that only one form of movement is of value,” says Darling. “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. Ballet can tell a narrative. Tap can tell a narrative.”

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