Bunheads is the story of thirtysomething Vegas showgirl Michelle Simms (Sutton Foster), who's disenchanted with the Sin City lifestyle and regretting the ties she cut with her classical dance training when she was younger. When a promising audition ends badly, she impulsively accepts a marriage proposal from longtime suitor Hubbell Flowers (Alan Ruck) and moves to his home in the beachfront town of Paradise, Calif. Being a newcomer in a small community has its challenges, most notably earning the respect of Hubbell's mom/roommate, Fanny (Kelly Bishop), but Michelle finds her niche as an instructor in Fanny's ballet studio, where she bonds with a quartet of aspiring dancers and helps them overcome their insecurities while attempting to carve a path for her own future.