Ballet Shoes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 spots Posy's ballet prowess and offers private instruction. Meanwhile, Dr. Smith and Dr. Jakes tutor Pauline and Petrova for free.

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.

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 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.

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 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'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.

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.