Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsEmmysToronto Int'l Film FestivalHispanic Heritage MonthIMDb Stars to WatchSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

Ballet Shoes

  • TV Movie
  • 2007
  • PG
  • 1h 25m
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
9.4K
YOUR RATING
Emma Watson, Yasmin Paige, and Lucy Boynton in Ballet Shoes (2007)
This is the theatrical trailer for Ballet Shoes, directed by  Sandra Goldbacher.
Play trailer1:46
1 Video
99+ Photos
Coming-of-AgePeriod DramaDramaFamilyMusical

In 1930s London, three orphan girls are adopted by their great uncle, who is an eccentric paleontologist, and his niece.In 1930s London, three orphan girls are adopted by their great uncle, who is an eccentric paleontologist, and his niece.In 1930s London, three orphan girls are adopted by their great uncle, who is an eccentric paleontologist, and his niece.

  • Director
    • Sandra Goldbacher
  • Writers
    • Noel Streatfeild
    • Heidi Thomas
  • Stars
    • Emma Watson
    • Yasmin Paige
    • Lucy Boynton
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.6/10
    9.4K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Sandra Goldbacher
    • Writers
      • Noel Streatfeild
      • Heidi Thomas
    • Stars
      • Emma Watson
      • Yasmin Paige
      • Lucy Boynton
    • 36User reviews
    • 10Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 1 nomination total

    Videos1

    Ballet Shoes: Theatrical Trailer
    Trailer 1:46
    Ballet Shoes: Theatrical Trailer

    Photos117

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 112
    View Poster

    Top cast38

    Edit
    Emma Watson
    Emma Watson
    • Pauline Fossil
    Yasmin Paige
    Yasmin Paige
    • Petrova Fossil
    Lucy Boynton
    Lucy Boynton
    • Posy Fossil
    Emilia Fox
    Emilia Fox
    • Sylvia Brown
    Victoria Wood
    Victoria Wood
    • Nana
    Richard Griffiths
    Richard Griffiths
    • Great Uncle Matthew
    Marc Warren
    Marc Warren
    • Mr. Simpson
    Lucy Cohu
    Lucy Cohu
    • Theo Dane
    Gemma Jones
    Gemma Jones
    • Dr. Jakes
    Harriet Walter
    Harriet Walter
    • Dr. Smith
    Eileen Atkins
    Eileen Atkins
    • Madame Fidolia
    Heather Nicol
    • Winifred Bagnall
    Mary Stockley
    Mary Stockley
    • Miss Jay
    Teresa Churcher
    Teresa Churcher
    • Clara
    Skye Bennett
    Skye Bennett
    • Young Sylvia
    Peter Bowles
    Peter Bowles
    • Sir Donald Houghton
    Don Gallagher
    • Mr. French
    Emma Darwall-Smith
    • Titania
    • (as Emma Darwall Smith)
    • Director
      • Sandra Goldbacher
    • Writers
      • Noel Streatfeild
      • Heidi Thomas
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews36

    6.69.3K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    6richuk-3

    It is what it is

    It is obvious that this film was made for a younger audience, and as such it is a perfectly good film with a good story and interesting characters that were well acted. Although not being in the targeted age group I enjoyed the film very much too, and it reminded me of the sort of children's drama I enjoyed as a child, it has an innocence and charm which unfortunately could be lost on a modern audience. It was good to see Emma Watson in a film other than the Potter films and I feel it is certain that her career as an actress will give her great success for decades to come. I always find that Emilia Fox gives a credible performance and with the inclusion of Richard Griffiths ,Marc Warren, Lucy Coho and Victoria Wood I would recommend this film to all.
    9julieinbrittany

    A joy to watch

    This reminded me of the Sunday afternoon dramas that the BBC used to show when I was young. There was nothing to dislike about this; it had charm, an improbable story, over-the-top characters and a real feel of the period it was set in - the thirties.

    There were lots of familiar faces; it was good to see Peter Bowles back on TV and anything with Victoria Wood has to be good. Emma Watston sustained the reputation she built up in the Harry Potter films - she is definitely going to be a big-name actress in the future. My personal accolade of Best Actress, however, went to Yasmin Paige who played Petrova, the girl who wants to be the aviator. You heard it here first folks - she is going to be a famous actress - and I'm not even her mother!
    8mamarieken

    Three adopted sisters try to achieve their goals with hard work and endurance

    One of my favourite books ever, having trained as a dancer and having children training as dancers we were glued to the box this evening, even though it was boxing day. Not exactly following the story of the book I loved it, and what is more, my adolescent children, cynical and critical, also loved it. Emma Watson is great, as are her 'adopted sisters', not one personage is out of place, and it filmed with loads of love and an eye for beauty and respect to Noel Streatfeild. I still slightly remember the 1975 series and this was just as sweet and nice. The dancing scenes are well executed, the dilemma's the girls are facing as well as those of Narnie are depicted in a good way. As in the book it is very much done with a slight tongue in cheek, never exaggerated feeling of love and harmony. Can't wait for the release of the DVD.
    8Mightyzebra

    TV films like this should really be more well-known.

    This is a TV film based on the book Ballet Shoes. It is about three adopted girls just after the First World War who all have different ambitions for the future.

    This may come as a shocking statement to some, but I think this deserved to be in the cinemas just as much as Spiderman 3, Enchanted and that sort of thing. I like those films as well of course, but this is really something.

    I like this for the brilliant acting from Emma Watson etc, the similarity to the Noel Streatfield book, a lot of the humour and the end of the story, it is one of my favourite parts of the film. It may miss bits out from the book, but those bits are the unnecessary parts and the parts left in are well-chosen. I cannot properly explain how and why I like this (the previous part of the paragraph was not totally what I meant), but I just recommend it to anyone who likes the book and people who like Emma Watson.

    At the very beginning of the film, a young girl with no surviving relatives other than her uncle, goes to live with him in his huge house of fossils. Her life becomes happier, but it soon turns out to be hard work again when on his travels around the world, the uncle sends her three baby girls. These girls grow up to have bright personalities and mixed interests and talents.

    Enjoy "Ballet Shoes"! :-)
    7alexpeychev

    "Ballet Shoes," released in 2007 and directed by Sandra Goldbacher, is a heartwarming tale based on the novel of the same name by Noel Streatfeild. Set in 1930s London, the fi

    "Ballet Shoes," released in 2007 and directed by Sandra Goldbacher, is a heartwarming tale based on the novel of the same name by Noel Streatfeild. Set in 1930s London, the film follows the lives of three adopted sisters - Pauline, Petrova, and Posy Fossil - as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing their dreams of becoming performers.

    The story begins with the three sisters living in poverty with their guardian, Sylvia Brown, who struggles to make ends meet. When Sylvia leaves to travel the world, she entrusts the care of the girls to her friend, Gum, who runs a boarding house. Despite their modest upbringing, the sisters share a deep love for the arts, each possessing unique talents and aspirations.

    Pauline dreams of becoming an actress and eagerly embraces the opportunity to audition for the prestigious Children's Academy of Dramatic Arts. Petrova, on the other hand, is more interested in machines and dreams of becoming an aviator. Posy, the youngest sister, is a gifted dancer with a passion for ballet.

    As the sisters pursue their respective passions, they encounter various challenges and setbacks along the way. From financial struggles to the pressures of the competitive performing arts world, each girl must find the strength and determination to overcome obstacles and follow her dreams.

    One of the film's greatest strengths is its portrayal of the bond between the sisters. Despite their differences in personality and interests, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy share a deep love and loyalty to each other. Their unwavering support and encouragement serve as a source of inspiration throughout their journey.

    The performances in "Ballet Shoes" are top-notch, with Emma Watson, Yasmin Paige, and Lucy Boynton delivering standout performances as Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, respectively. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters' relationships.

    Beyond its charming characters and engaging storyline, "Ballet Shoes" also offers valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of following one's passion. Through the trials and triumphs of the Fossil sisters, viewers are reminded of the power of determination and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing one's dreams.

    In conclusion, "Ballet Shoes" is a delightful and uplifting film that celebrates the bonds of sisterhood and the pursuit of artistic expression. With its compelling performances, heartfelt storytelling, and timeless themes, it is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you're a fan of dance, drama, or simply heartwarming tales of triumph, "Ballet Shoes" is a must-watch film that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

    More like this

    The Tale of Despereaux
    6.1
    The Tale of Despereaux
    Beauty and the Beast
    7.1
    Beauty and the Beast
    Ballet Shoes
    6.9
    Ballet Shoes
    Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts
    8.0
    Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts
    Ramona and Beezus
    6.5
    Ramona and Beezus
    Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
    7.5
    Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
    7.7
    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
    Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
    7.6
    Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
    The Children's Party at the Palace
    6.5
    The Children's Party at the Palace
    Ella Enchanted
    6.3
    Ella Enchanted
    Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
    7.7
    Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
    Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure
    4.8
    Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure

    Related interests

    Elsie Fisher in Eighth Grade (2018)
    Coming-of-Age
    Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen in Little Women (2019)
    Period Drama
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
    Family
    Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music (1965)
    Musical

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      According to an interview on the DVD, the three-year-old Pauline Fossil was played by Emma Watson's twin half-sisters.
    • Goofs
      The "ballet shoes" the girls wear throughout the film are far too modern for the era depicted.
    • Quotes

      [Miss Jay meets Pauline and Winifred after their Alice auditions]

      Miss Jay: Well done, you two. Right, Pauline is to play Alice

      [pauses as girls gasp]

      Miss Jay: and Winifred is to be engaged as understudy.

      Pauline Fossil: [starts to say] What?

      Winifred: [interrupts] When I finished my dance, people clapped! Nobody clapped her, there was just silence!

      Miss Jay: Dance is important, but Pauline looks right for Alice.

      Winifred: She looks right for everything, she always will!

      [looks at Pauline and murmurs]

      Winifred: Pretty face... blonde hair...

      [yells]

      Winifred: It's got NOTHING, whatsoever to do with TALENT, and it's SO UNFAIR!

      [runs back up the stairs]

    • Connections
      Featured in Ballet Shoes: Interview with Emma Watson (2007)
    • Soundtracks
      Begin the Beguine
      By Cole Porter

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    FAQ10

    • Is "Ballet Shoes" based on a book?
    • Why is the movie/book titled "Ballet Shoes"?
    • How closely does the movie follow the novel?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 26, 2007 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Official sites
      • BBC (United Kingdom)
      • Official site (United States)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Baletni copatki
    • Filming locations
      • Bloomsbury, London, Greater London, England, UK(on location)
    • Production companies
      • British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
      • Granada Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 25m(85 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.