Ballet Shoes 2007
Directed by
Sandra Goldbacher
Made by
Granada Television
Ballet Shoes Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Ballet Shoes (2007). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Ballet Shoes Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Ballet Shoes (2007) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Sylvia and Nana move into Gum's London house
Sylvia Brown, a young orphan, moves into Great Uncle Matthew 'Gum' Fossil's London house with her nurse Nana. Gum is a palaeontologist who is often away on expeditions, leaving the care of the girls to Sylvia. The introduction of the two girls into Gum's household begins the long, close-knit dynamic at Cromwell House.
Gum adopts Pauline Fossil
In 1919, Gum brings home an orphaned baby girl whose parents died on the Titanic and adopts her, naming her Pauline Fossil. He leaves Pauline in the care of Sylvia and Nana in London. The adoption marks the start of the siblings' unusual family and their shared ambitions.
Gum adopts Petrova
Two years later, Gum adopts Petrova, bringing another sister into Cromwell House. The growing family expands with new names and stories as the girls adjust to their guardians' care.
Gum adopts Posy with a plan
In 1923, Gum adopts Posy and sends her to the house with her mother's ballet shoes and necklaces. He explains that Posy's father died and her mother cannot care for her, and he also leaves enough money in the bank for five years before disappearing. The three sisters become her guardians in a changing economic landscape.
The Great Depression hits and money runs out
As the Great Depression takes hold, Gum's money runs out. Sylvia withdraws Pauline and Petrova from Cromwell House and begins homeschooling them alongside Posy. To help make ends meet, she also takes in four boarders: Theo Dane, a dance teacher; John Simpson, a repair garage owner; and Dr. Smith and Dr. Jakes, retired professors.
The sisters vow to make a mark in history
Inspired by the boarders and their own ambitions, the Fossil sisters vow to 'put their names in the history books' by serving their country and renewing it on birthdays and Christmas. The vow becomes a guiding compass for their future efforts.
Enrolment at the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training
Theo Dane encourages Sylvia to enroll the sisters at the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. Although hesitant, Sylvia and Nana reluctantly agree, hoping the training will help them earn a living.
Madam Fidolia notices Posy's talent and tutoring begins
Madam Fidolia spots Posy's ballet prowess and offers private instruction. Meanwhile, Dr. Smith and Dr. Jakes tutor Pauline and Petrova for free.
Pauline lands the role of Alice and strains relationships
Pauline auditions for the role of Alice in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and wins the part. John offers her a loan using Gum's necklaces as collateral, with the understanding she repays from her wages. The job inflates Pauline's ego, causing her to snap at the director and be replaced by her understudy Winifred.
The sisters perform in fairies at the countryside
Sylvia's health worsens and she plans a countryside holiday to help her lungs. Pauline and Petrova audition for fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream; Petrova is hired and Pauline is also offered a role.
Petrova and Pauline gain roles; Mr. French notices Pauline
Petrova dislikes acting and performs badly, nearly facing dismissal, but stays for the money the work brings. Meanwhile, Pauline's continued presence in the shows leads Mr. French to recognize her talent and hire her for additional work.
Pauline offered an audition for Charles in Exile
During a camping trip, John informs the family that Pauline has been offered an audition for the movie Charles in Exile. She later learns the project could take her to Hollywood.
Pauline signs Hollywood contract and plans future
Pauline signs a five-year contract in Hollywood after the success of Charles in Exile, a move she hopes will fund Posy's ballet dreams and allow her to move to America with Sylvia. Gum unexpectedly returns to London and plans to mentor Petrova in flying.
Gum teaches Petrova to fly
Gum's return arrives with an offer to teach Petrova how to fly planes, aligning with her dream of piloting. The family plots a path where Petrova gains public recognition for her future, while Pauline and Posy continue supporting her success.
Petrova's name in history and the finale
The sisters' resolve shifts from personal glory to getting Petrova's name into the history books. The film's arc culminates with Petrova flying overhead during Sylvia and John's wedding.
Ballet Shoes Characters
Explore all characters from Ballet Shoes (2007). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Sylvia Brown (Emilia Fox)
A nurturing guardian who homeschools Pauline, Petrova, and Posy while managing a crowded London home. Resourceful and pragmatic, she turns to taking in boarders to support the family as Gum fades from financial stability. Her quiet strength and practical approach anchor the sisters through hardship and growth.
Pauline Fossil (Emma Watson)
The eldest sister, whose talent skyrockets when she lands a role in a stage production and later a Hollywood contract. Her early success inflates her ego, challenging family dynamics and tests her ability to remain grounded as fame grows. She balances ambition with a sense of responsibility to her sisters and Nana.
Posy Fossil (Lucy Boynton)
The youngest sister, who carries the dream of ballet and the future of a ballerina. She shows resilience and loyalty to her family, supporting her sisters while pursuing a path through a ballet school and eventual national stage success. Her nature is hopeful and steadfast even in the face of setbacks.
Petrova Fossil (Yasmin Paige)
The second sister who dislikes acting but participates to fund the family, showing a pragmatic, stubborn streak. She loves flying planes and has a practical, adventurous spirit that drives her to seize opportunities despite misgivings about performance. Her loyalty to family keeps her pushing forward.
Great Uncle Matthew (Gum) (Richard Griffiths)
An elderly palaeontologist and the girls' guardian, whose financial support dwindles during the Great Depression. He is a distant, sometimes unreliable figure whose absence forces the sisters to fend for themselves and rely on community mentors. His return at the end marks a circle to family ties.
Nana (Victoria Wood)
The nurse and guardian who supports the girls with warmth and steadiness. She helps manage the daily life of Cromwell House and provides a grounded counterpoint to the sisters' star-seeking ambitions. Her presence anchors the family through illness and financial stress.
Madam Fidolia (Eileen Atkins)
Owner of the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training, she immediately recognises Posy's talent and becomes a guiding mentor for the sisters' artistic development. She uses her authority to push them toward opportunities while navigating the business side of show business.
Dr. Jakes (Gemma Jones)
A retired professor who tutors the sisters for free, providing intellectual mentorship and support in their intellectual development as well as their performing arts training. Her quiet generosity plays a key role in helping them refine their craft.
Dr. Smith (Harriet Walter)
A second tutor, another retired professor who shares knowledge and supports the sisters' education and stage ambitions. She represents the scientific and academic background that informs the sisters' disciplined training.
Mr. French (Don Gallagher)
A stage director whose demand and style push the performers to their limits. His decision to replace Pauline with her understudy marks a turning point in the sisters' quest for fame and responsibility.
Theo Dane (Lucy Cohu)
A dance teacher whose encouragement helps the sisters train and grow, she becomes a catalyst for their enrollment at the dance academy. Her guidance pushes them toward professional opportunities in performance.
Mr. Simpson (Marc Warren)
A boarder who finances Pauline's early career by offering a no-interest loan in exchange for wages. His role underscores the blend of generosity and business in the sisters' pursuit of opportunity.
Winifred Bagnall (Heather Nicol)
An understudy who steps in during a critical performance, embodying resilience and adaptability under pressure. Her presence demonstrates the precarious line between success and replacement in the performing arts.
Titania (Emma Darwall Smith)
A featured dancer in the cast, representing the on-stage dreamworld that captivates the sisters. Her presence underscores the magical, demanding nature of ballet performance.
Cobweb (Isabella Parriss)
A supporting dancer whose role reflects the ensemble nature of the ballet world and the subordinate spaces where performers find their footing.
Valentin Manoff (Valentin Manoff) (Ebe Sievwwright)
A powerful ballet impresario whose adaptation of Swan Lake frames one of Posy's major influences. His presence, and his stroke, marks a crisis moment that pushes Posy toward Prague.
Ballet Shoes Settings
Learn where and when Ballet Shoes (2007) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
1919-1930s
The events begin in 1919, soon after World War I, and carry through the early 1930s during the Great Depression. The era's economic hardship drives the girls to balance home life with work in stage and film. The shift from stage to cinema marks a changing entertainment landscape of the interwar period.
Location
London, Gum's House, Hollywood, Prague, English countryside
The story unfolds primarily in London at Gum's house, the home of Sylvia and her guardians. It follows their journeys through theatres, dance studios, and film sets as the sisters chase fame and a better future. The narrative also touches on scenes in Hollywood and Prague, reflecting the international arc of their careers amid the era's economic upheaval.
Ballet Shoes Themes
Discover the main themes in Ballet Shoes (2007). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🎭
Dreams and Ambition
The sisters pursue fame and personal legacies, turning training and performance into a path out of poverty. Pauline, Petrova, and Posy navigate pride and ambition as they chase opportunities in ballet, theatre, and cinema. The drive to 'put their names in the history books' frames much of their choices, often at a personal cost.
🎬
Fame and Craft
The pursuit of acting and dancing exposes the temptations and hazards of the entertainment world. The girls experience early success, egos, and the pressures of auditions, contracts, and public reception. Mentors, teachers, and directors shape their skills while testing their resolve.
🗺️
Journeys and Places
From London to the dance studios, film sets in Hollywood, and a Prague ballet school, the sisters' journey spans multiple cultural hubs. The travels reflect a broader search for opportunity beyond their original home. Each new place tests their resilience and reshapes their dreams.
🤝
Family and Loyalty
Family bonds underpin the drive to succeed, with Sylvia acting as guardian and mentor to the sisters. The Great Depression strains finances, prompting shared sacrifices and alliances with mentors and benefactors. Their vow to honor their family legacy keeps them united through setbacks.
Movies with Similar Twists and Themes
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2026)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2026 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.