October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
Admit one · Blog

Was Tom Holland Bullied for Ballet—and Did It Lead Him to Acting?

Tom Holland said he received grief at school for doing ballet, but he has not said bullying made him quit dance. His acting career grew out of Billy Elliot and later opportunities.
Opened Runtime2 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Tom Holland has said he faced teasing and bullying at school for doing ballet while training for Billy Elliot. But he did not say that bullying made him quit dance or choose acting. Dance led him to the West End show; acting opportunities came through that experience, and he later decided to try acting as a career.

Was Tom Holland bullied for doing ballet?

Yes. Holland has described classmates giving him grief for ballet in a school culture where boys played rugby. In a GQ profile, he recalled doing ballet in the gym while boys watched: “To a bunch of 10-year-olds who play rugby, Tom Holland doing ballet in the gym wasn’t cool.” He added, “But it’s just what I had to do if I wanted to get this job.”

He described the experience similarly in a 2017 TIME interview: “I got a lot of grief when I was in school about doing ballet. It wasn’t as cool as being a rugby player.” He also said he loved ballet and that it “put me on the map.”

How did ballet lead to Billy Elliot?

Holland’s account starts with dance class, not with a plan to leave dance behind. His mother took him to class, where he was noticed and invited to audition for a West End production of Billy Elliot. He trained in ballet for the role and performed in the show. An agent saw him there and connected him with a film audition, according to his account in an On Purpose interview transcript.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Bloch Dance Women's Performa Athletic Shoe, Theatrical Pink, 7.5 C US
  • Adheres to the arch beautifully
  • Shock absorbing heel cushioning
  • Pre-sewn crossed elastics
  • Generous front and rear leather sole pads
  • Sizing: Start 2 sizes down from street shoe

Did bullying make Tom Holland quit dancing to become an actor?

There is no evidence in these accounts that bullying caused Holland to give up dance or switch careers. He described ballet as something he loved and as part of the work that brought him to Billy Elliot. The acting path grew from the show and the opportunities that followed.

Holland placed his career decision later, when he was weighing whether to stay in school and work out a career eventually or try acting professionally. He recalled thinking: “I could try and stay at school and figure out what I wanna do or this thing that’s been a hobby for my summer holiday activity, which is acting. I could try and do that for a living.” He said, “I decided to go with it.” That was a choice to pursue acting as work—not a claim that he chose acting instead of ballet because of bullying.

Best Value
Sale
Stelle Ballet Shoes for Women Highly Stretch Canvas Split Sole(BP, 6MW)
  • Elastic Canvas Upper: Adult ballet shoes uppers are made from high quality super stretchy canvas upper and cotton lined that is super soft, breathable and sweats. The ballet slippers hug the foot for a better fit.
  • Size Note: Please measure your heel to toe length first and choose according to the size information of Stelle ballet shoes
  • Pre-sewn Wide Elastics: Pre-sewn wide elastics hold the shoes on the feet better and adhere to the arch beautifully, Comfortable and snug but not tight. No need to tie,easy to put on and off.
  • Split Suede Leather Sole: Front and back leather split sole not only makes ballet shoes lightweight, but also provides flexibility while dancing. Suede leather outsole is anti-abrasive, which can provide dancers with great support and grip.
  • Hug Foot Perfectly: The handmade pleats leave plenty of room for the ballerina's feet without causing pressure or discomfort, allowing for them more flexibility when dancing or jumping.
Rank #4
Capezio Women's Canvas Pirouette ii Dance Shoe, Nude, Medium
  • COMFORTABLE FIT FOR DANCERS: Designed for ultimate comfort, these dance shoes feature a soft elastic binding that keeps the shoe securely in place without pinching. This ensures you can dance for hours without discomfort, making them perfect for long practices and performances.
  • ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY WITH HALF SOLE: The innovative half sole design allows for greater flexibility and movement, making it easier to execute intricate dance moves. Whether you're practicing ballet or modern dance, these shoes provide the support you need to shine on stage and express your artistry.
  • DURABLE SUEDE SOLE PATCH: Equipped with a suede sole patch that includes pleats, these shoes provide excellent grip and durability on various surfaces. This ensures stability during performances, allowing you to focus on your dance without worrying about slipping or losing balance.
  • EASY TO SIZE FOR EVERYONE: Women should order their street shoe size, while men should size up by 2 sizes. With options for wide widths and half sizes, these shoes ensure a perfect fit for every dancer, making them accessible for all skill levels and preferences, so you can dance with confidence.
  • STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL DESIGN: Featuring the iconic Capezio logo on the sole, these shoes combine style with functionality. They are a must-have for any serious dancer, ensuring you look great while performing at your best, and they complement any dance outfit beautifully.
Rank #3
Sale
Stelle Ballet Shoes for Girls Toddler Soft Leather Split Sole(BP, 9MT)
  • Breathable PU Upper:Professional soft ballet shoes with breathable PU is specially designed for ballet dance and gymnastics.Easy to clean with a damp cloth.
  • Suede Leather Sole: Leather outsole is anti-abrasive,which can provide dancers a great support and grip.High quality cotton lining is soft,lightweight and breathable, allowing you to move with ease and comfort.
  • Two Choices for Different Needs: No drawstring makes it easier to put on and take off the shoes. Best choice for our little beginner ballerina.Bar-tacked elastic drawstring and elastic strap are easy to adjust to ensure the perfect fit for your feet.
  • Best Choice:Perfect for ballet dance practice, gymnastics, yoga,modern dance and stage performance.
  • Size selection:Please refer to the size chart in the picture to measure the foot length and choose the most suitable size. For children under 5 years old, please order 5M Toddler-10M Toddler; For children aged 5-10 years old, please order 11M Little Kid for children-3M Little Kid for older children; Over 10 years old, please order 4M Big Kid-6M Big Kid, Men need to order one size bigger.
Rank #2
TXJ Sports Ballet Shoes for Women Girls, Canvas Ballet Slippers Split Sole Breathable Dance Shoes Ballet Class Practice Flat Apricot
  • Comfortable for Daily Practice:Long rehearsals can leave feet feeling tired and restricted. These Ballet Shoes for Women feature a soft canvas upper with cotton lining for a flexible, gentle fit. Enjoy comfortable movement during ballet class, barre, and studio practice.
  • Flexible Split Sole Support: The split sole design of these women’s ballet slippers enhances flexibility and supports smoother transitions. Move with better control for turns, stretches, and beginner training.
  • Breathable and Lightweight: Lightweight and breathable canvas helps keep feet more comfortable during long practice sessions and weekly lessons. Designed for convenience, dance shoes feature a pre-sewn elastic strap that provides a secure, snug fit without feeling too tight. No need to tie, easy to put on and take off.
  • Great Value for Class and Training: These ballet slippers are designed for repeated wear in dance classes and daily training. Suitable for ballet, barre work, stretching, and light yoga dance classes. A wise choice for dancers seeking soft, lightweight, breathable, and easy-to-wear ballet shoes!
  • Sizes for Women and Girls: The heel-to-toe measurements for each size are as follows: Size 2.5 corresponds to 7.2", Size 3 to 7.6", Size 3.5 to 7.9", Size 4 to 8.5", Size 4.5 to 8.7", Size 5.5 to 9.3", Size 6 to 9.5", Size 7 to 9.7", Size 7.5 to 9.9", Size 8.5 to 10.2", Size 9 to 10.3", and Size 10 to 10.4".

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

  1. Who Is Elsie Hewitt? Pete Davidson’s Ex-Girlfriend, Model and ActressAdmit one · BlogWho Is Elsie Hewitt? Pete Davidson's Ex-Girlfriend, Model and ActressOpened10 AUG 2026Runtime9 min
  2. Does NEON Have a New Horror Movie It Won’t Show Us? What’s VerifiedAdmit one · BlogDoes NEON Have a New Horror Movie It Won't Show Us? What's VerifiedOpened09 OCT 2026Runtime1 min
  3. What the Official NCIS: Origins Trailer Reveals About Young GibbsAdmit one · BlogWhat the Official NCIS: Origins Trailer Reveals About Young GibbsOpened09 OCT 2026Runtime2 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.