One of the themes in Ballet Shoes that made it so unique at the time of publication is the value of individuality and ambition. The three Fossil sisters have entirely different ambitions, passions, and desires in life, and the adults who collectively raise them all help nurture each girl in her own interests and ensure that each receives the discipline she needs.

Pauline is the eldest and therefore the first to become a licensed, working actress. However, her ambitions for the stage aren’t merely monetary. She has a true passion for acting and grows to excel in her craft. Dr. Jakes sees her love of recitation and teaches her how to recite Shakespearean monologues, which eventually helps her get roles. The adults in her life must help her through the pridefulness she gains as the star of Alice in Wonderland. Pauline learns best from words: either stories from Madame Moulin about the willingness to always learn or scoldings from Mr. French when she’s being commanding and disobedient. Outside of this, she becomes more mature and thoughtful of others by the novel’s end. Seeing her colleague Winifred worrying far more about money than she ever did helps her recognize the financial benefit of acting.