Though not as good as Ballet Shoes (could any similar book hope to measure up?), Dancing Shoes is an enjoyable read and has its own merits.

For the first half of the book or so, most of the characters seemed rather too caricatured to me. Yet, as the story progressed, I was impressed with the way in which Noel Streatfeild created subtle transformations that rounded out the three main girls. My adult perspective especially noted how the kind grown-ups in the book spoke truth to the girls, and how the maturing girls were able to see the wisdom of things they had earlier rejected out-of-hand. It was a refreshing change from the standard kiddie lit of today in which adults are always obtuse and children always perceptive. The evolution of the characters also gives an interesting (today, it would be unpopular) perspective that not everyone is cut out to be a star, even if they have the talent and potential, and that is okay. A normal life can be a noble choice, too.

This actually felt as if it was aimed at a younger audience than other Streatfield 'Shoes' books I've read. There was the same glimpses of 'showbiz' life for children in those days but the characters seemed underdeveloped compared to many of the other books. The idea of the responsibility that Rachel took on did seem a little extreme but as a book about theatre it's still enjoyable.

It's a quick read which I might have enjoyed more had I read it as a child. But as C.S. Lewis said, if a book is not good when re-reading it as an adult, it's not good while you're a child, you're taste just isn't refined enough to notice.
There were a couple of things I wanted to edit and a few times I found the style of writing was interfering with the narration.
It is, however, a sweet book and the themes of sisterhood and ambition, or lack thereof, are well presented.

This is a re-read from childhood and I think I read it at least once as an adult. I liked the story of Orphans Hilary and Rachel, cousin Dulcie/Pulsie, and the rest of the characters just as much as I did the first time around. Not quite as good as Ballet Shoes, IMHO, but still a strong effort by Noel Streatfeild.

Oh I really really enjoyed this, quite as much as Winter Shoes/Skating Shoes. Rachel and Hilary are sisters. Hilary was adopted when Rachel was very young and they've since been orphaned. Their aunt Cora takes them in - she happens to run a dance and stage school called Wintle's Little Wonders and soon, the girls start working for a living and having dreams of their own.

As usual with Streatfeild, this explores a lot - the bond between sisters, ambitions, dreams, jealousy, the stage. I loved every single bit of it. It's got lovely moments and lovely details about frocks and the little rituals the girls have. Noel Streatfeild definitely writes a certain way and explores the same themes in her books but I find that so comforting to know what you're getting into each time. I grew quite attached to a few of the secondary characters - Mrs Storm the governess and Pursey the housekeeper and nurse. This is such a cosy book.

This book is like the watered down version of the TV show "dance mom's" just slightly less dramatic. I liked it more than the book "skating shoes" from this same series. This would be a fun series to read out loud with kids.

A

3.5 stars. It was cute but sometimes the girls were annoying.

One of my favorites as a child. Re-read last night and today just for a quick escape.

I've recently been revisiting all the 'Shoe Books' and man, did I forget how charming "Dancing Shoes" is. Rachel and Hilary are orphans sent to live with an aunt who runs a dancing school and typical Streatfeild stage shenanigans ensue.

Rachel, an anxious introvert, seems to follow the mold of the "the one who can't get on board" commonly seen in Streatfeild's work, but she's given extra dimensions and motivation. There's great care taken to show Rachel as she appears to the people who don't understand her (Aunt Cora, Dulcie) and even greater care to show us how hard she is trying to come out of her shell. For a certain kind of little girl, seeing a character like Rachel as the hero of a story including girls who are more noticeable, more outgoing would be a unique pleasure.

"Dancing Shoes" features other Streatfeild hallmarks: the conceited star, the cozy nurse, a wonderfully tidy happy ending for all the characters we've grown to love. But in addition to the unique protagonist, we're given a very singular antagonist. Guardians and parents in 'The Shoe Books' range from devoted and loving ("Skating Shoes", "Ballet Shoes") to daffy and eccentric ("Theatre Shoes") but Aunt Cora, Rachel and Hilary's aunt, is another breed. While her indifference bordering on cruelty is not uncommon in books from a certain time, be prepared to have some conversations with your young person around this adult caretaker's problematic behavior.

Even with that small caveat, I highly recommend "Dancing Shoes" as a worthwhile part of the 'The Shoe Book' canon. The three dimensional characters, very distinct world building (of time, place, and profession), and amiable writing style madam remember how much I loved this book in years past and how excited I am to one day share it with my girls.

Recommend for: young people interested in the stage, budding Anglophiles, and kid lit enthusiasts.

This is one of those perfect books that I remember from childhood and that are still as good all these years later. Despite it being set in 1950s England, the characters are believable, and the girls still ring true in terms of behaviour and motivations. I am unpacking books from a recent move, and found it, and reread it in one night. I wanted to meet the characters again, and here their stories once more. It won't be the last time. I wish it were longer.

I’m certainly glad views of adoption have changed about what constitutes a “real” daughter or sister.

Otherwise, this was an enjoyable little story. I look forward to catching up on other titles by this author. Somehow I didn’t read them in childhood.