In a way, 'Billy Elliot' was autobiographical. I can't dance, but I think his dancing was me discovering about writing and literature.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I always call 'Billy Elliot' a fantasy autobiography because I never wanted to be a dancer, but I got a lot of stick from the other kids about wanting to be a writer and being interested in drama.
I danced growing up. I had two friends of mine that, actually, one of them wound up dancing with Alvin Ailey.
I was always an actor, starting in middle school. I was in all the plays and all that. But dancing didn't come into my life until late into high school.
'Billy Elliot' embodies the idea that anyone can achieve anything regardless of their socio-economic background.
I think I had actually served my apprenticeship as a writer of fiction by writing all those songs. I had already been through phases of autobiographical or experimental stuff.
When I was younger, acting, singing, and dancing was what it was all about.
I loved Fred Astaire's way of dancing. He led you into the dance.
I danced in a company of 'West Side Story' when I was very young. It was most of the original cast - Larry Kert, Chita Rivera - and Jerry Robbins directed. It was tough, a wonderful initiation for me.
I've studied a lot of great people over the years - Pete Seeger, James Brown - and tried to incorporate elements that I've admired, though I can't say I dance like James.
I really fell in love with dance. By the time I was seven, I had dance class six times a week. I was obsessed.
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