Ballet Shoes (2007) Plot Summary Explained

Gum is a palaeontologist who spends much of his time away on fossil-hunting expeditions. When he adopts Posy in 1923, he leaves enough money in the bank to support the family for five years. He then disappears on another expedition, trusting his great-nieces to care for each other and for Posy. He returns in 1933 when the girls are older.

Foreshadowing: Gum's pattern of leaving on expeditions is established from the very beginning when he leaves Sylvia and Nana in charge of Pauline.

• gum fossil
• great uncle gum
• abandoned
• orphaned girls
• guardian

After winning the role of Alice in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Pauline becomes arrogant and snaps at the director during rehearsal. As a result, she is replaced by her understudy Winifred. This experience humbles Pauline and teaches her the importance of professionalism.

Foreshadowing: Pauline's ego has been building since she landed the role, and her treatment of others hints at her eventual downfall.

• paulie fossil
• alice in wonderland
• understudy
• replaced role
• acting career

Pauline signs a five-year contract with a Hollywood studio after her success in the film Charles in Exile. She hopes the money will fund Posy's ballet training and allow her to take care of Sylvia. Pauline's primary motivation is supporting her sisters' dreams.

Foreshadowing: John mentions the audition opportunity during a camping trip, and Pauline's ambition to help her family is evident throughout the story.

• hollywood
• acting contract
• pauline fossil
• charlies in exile
• film career

When Gum returns in 1933, he offers to teach Petrova how to fly planes. This aligns with her childhood dream of becoming a pilot. The family supports her goal, and the sisters shift their collective ambition from personal glory to helping Petrova achieve her dream.

Foreshadowing: Petrova's dream of aviation is hinted at early in the story, and Gum's expertise as an explorer provides the means to make it possible.

• petrova fossil
• pilot
• aviation
• flying lessons
• gum fossil

The Fossil sisters initially vow to 'put their names in the history books' individually. However, after Gum returns and offers to teach Petrova to fly, they realize Petrova is closest to achieving her dream. They collectively shift their goal to helping Petrova get her name in the history books first.

Foreshadowing: The sisters' bond and selflessness are established early, with each supporting the others' dreams.

• fossil sisters
• vow
• history books
• collective goal
• support

Throughout the years, John Simpson becomes a trusted friend and boarder in the household. He offers Pauline a loan using Gum's necklaces as collateral and supports the family. Their relationship develops naturally over time, culminating in their wedding at the film's end.

Foreshadowing: John's kindness and generosity are shown early when he offers to help Pauline with the loan.

• sylvia brown
• john simpson
• marriage
• wedding
• romance

Gum leaves enough money in the bank for five years when he adopts Posy in 1923. When the Great Depression hits in 1929, the money runs out, forcing Sylvia to withdraw Pauline and Petrova from school, take in boarders, and find ways to generate income for the family.

Foreshadowing: The timeline explicitly marks 1929 as when the money runs out and Sylvia must adapt.

• great depression
• finances
• money
• poverty
• boarders

When Gum adopts Posy in 1923, he brings her with her mother's ballet shoes and necklaces. He explains that Posy's father died and her mother cannot care for her. The ballet shoes represent Posy's natural talent and connection to her mother, which later becomes her calling.

Foreshadowing: The ballet shoes are explicitly mentioned as part of Posy's adoption, foreshadowing her future as a dancer.

• posy fossil
• ballet shoes
• adoption
• mother
• talent

Each sister is encouraged to follow her own passion. Pauline is drawn to acting and wins the role of Alice. Petrova dreams of aviation and piloting planes. Posy shows natural ballet talent, which Madam Fidolia notices. Their diverse ambitions reflect their individual personalities and strengths.

Foreshadowing: The boarders at the house each represent different professions, inspiring the girls' various dreams.

• acting
• ballet
• aviation
• dreams
• careers
• fossil sisters

When Pauline wins the role of Alice, John Simpson offers her a loan using Gum's necklaces as collateral. Pauline accepts to help her family financially, with the understanding she will repay the loan from her acting wages.

Foreshadowing: The necklaces were left by Gum and represent family heirlooms that hold value.

• necklaces
• loan
• collateral
• john simpson
• paulie fossil

Gum returns in 1933, unexpectedly appearing at the family home. His return allows him to teach Petrova to fly, fulfilling her dream. He also reconciles with the family after his long absence, and the story concludes with the family together.

Foreshadowing: Gum's pattern of disappearing and returning is established at the start of the film.

• gum fossil
• return
• reunion
• family

Petrova is hired to play a fairy in A Midsummer Night's Dream but performs poorly and dislikes the experience. She stays in the acting job primarily for the money it brings, not because she enjoys it. Her true passion lies in aviation and mechanics rather than performing.

Foreshadowing: Petrova's interest in practical, technical things is shown throughout the story, contrasting with Pauline's love of performance.

• petrova fossil
• acting
• dislike
• fairies
• midsummer night dream