Frederic Franklin has been described as the real life Billy Elliott

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Frederic Franklin is a living history of dance in the twentieth century.

Born in Liverpool before World War One he took up ballet at a time when it was hardly recognised as an art form in Britain - before even the Royal Ballet existed.

He went on to become a star of the most famous ballet company of all - the Ballet Russe - bringing a love of ballet to millions across the world.

Now at 91 years old he still dances, teaches, and remembers what amounts to the history of ballet in the 20th century.

He tells Gavin Esler about the pains and pleasures of a life devoted to ballet, and his memories of stars like Margot Fonteyn and Dame Alicia Markova.

HARDtalk Extra can be seen on BBC World at 0330 GMT, 0830 GMT, 1530 GMT, 1830 GMT, 2330 GMT.