At seventeen, Pippa Fane is the youngest and most recent recruit fo London's Midlands City Ballet. As one of the many dancers in its corps de ballet, the lowest rank in the company, Pippa in one of its brightest hopes. She is amazed and delighted when she is chosen to go on its forthcoming Italian tour - her first ever trip abroad. The first stop is Venice, Italy's most romantic and fascinating city. There whe swiftly catches the attention of a young gondolier who ferries the dancers to their living quarters. And there she also is the victim of much less welcome advances.