Alex Ko

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.

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 Barragán and George de la Peña 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.