Alex Ko: From Iowa to Broadway, My Billy Elliot Story - Hardcover

Ko, Alex

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0062236016 ISBN 13: 9780062236012

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2013

Synopsis

Alex Ko's moving autobiography will inspire tweens to dare to dream big. Alex Ko: From Iowa to Broadway, My Billy Elliot Story follows Alex's journey from small town Iowa to becoming a famous Broadway performer in New York City. Despite all the odds he had to overcome--facing his father's tragic death from cancer, financial difficulties, countless auditions, and serious injuries, Alex triumphantly lands the starring role in the musical Billy Elliot at age thirteen. For theater fans who want an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the world of backstage Broadway to kids determined to achieve dreams of their own, Alex Ko's story, told in his own words, is powerful and personal. A collection of black-and-white photos from both Billy Elliot productions and Alex's childhood brings his world vividly to life.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

He could be a star for all we know
We don't know how far he can go
He could go and he could shine
Not just stay here counting time,
Son, we've got the chance to let him live.

These are lyrics from Billy Elliot, the show that made young Alex Ko's incredible dream of performing come true. And just like the character of Billy, Alex beat all the odds to land the starring role in Billy Elliot on Broadway at age thirteen.This is his powerful true story.

Alex's personal firsthand tale of his journey from small-town Iowa to New York City is passionate and moving. With extraordinary drive and rare tenacity, Alex makes the unthinkable real, determined to hold on to his dream of performing despite all that he had to overcome--his dad's death from cancer, financial struggles, countless auditions to finally land the part of Billy, only to suffer a crushing injury, but ultimately making his triumphant return to the stage.

Alex's inspiring story is an exciting exclusive look at the world of backstage Broadway, told through the eyes of a kid from Iowa fresh off the plane, without money or famous connections, who simply dared to dream big.

About the Author:

Alex Ko made his Broadway debut at age thirteen in the title role of Billy in the Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot: The Musical. Alex studied dance from the time he was five years old, and at the age of twelve he was the youngest student admitted to the University of Iowa Dance Department, where he received college credit with honors distinction. Alex was guided by ballet masters Eloy Barragan and George de la Pena in Iowa City and by Peter O'Brien and Wilhelm Burmann in New York City. Alex has had the distinct honor of being a guest dancer at the White House and has appeared on ABC Family's Bunheads. Alex has won national and regional dance titles and is a USA gymnastics champion coached by 1996 Olympic gold medalist Dmitri Trouch.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0062236016
• ISBN 13: 9780062236012
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 336