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Ben Ellis as Link Larkin in Hairspray.

Helen Held took over the Yorkshire Coast School of Ballet two years ago. She says "I don't know whether it's 'Billy Elliot' that's spurred it on, but I certainly know that the boys who do dance are getting stronger and stronger. They're finding athletics and football and things like that at school a lot easier because their balance is good."

English Youth Ballet dancers

Another of the Yorkshire Coast School of Ballet's boys is Nick Deller, who has been dancing since he was five - and he's only nine now. Nick took up ballet because his sister goes along. He used to watch her going through the steps and thought he would like to try it for himself. Nick says "I am looking forward to all the shows we do. This year it was 'Alice in Wonderland'."

Helen Held's son, 11 year old Sebastian, is one of the most experienced boys, as you might expect. His mum used to take him along to her dance classes from a very tender age. Seb remembers "When I was sitting on my baby mat I used to do the exercises with all the people and ever since I've been very intent on balletΜύ - although I've developed quite a lot since then!" Despite going to classes several times a week, Seb doesn't necessarily want to make a career out of it. "I'm thinking of being an accountant, mainly for the money!" he says.

A male ballet dancer

Matthew Loades is Jonathan's dad and he's delighted that three of his children enjoy taking ballet classes. Matthew thinks that the film and musical of 'Billy Elliot' have helped make it more acceptable for boys to dance. He's also noticed that his sons' agility and coordination have improved, along with their footballing prowess. He says "Jonathan may not be the most skilfulΜύ footballer in the world but he's light on his feet and can jump over tackles. I'm sure the ballet has helped that."