Àct one

Early autumn. The villagers are preparing for the arrival of artists from the capital who are scheduled to perform at the harvest festival. At last, the guests have arrived! A tractor driver carries the numerous suitcases of the visiting female artist while agronomist Pyotr shows her around, and the male dancer has the rapt attention of the chairman’s wife. She thinks that an artist from the capital would make a better match for her daughter Galya than the simple tractor driver who is in love with her
Zina is surprised to recognise her childhood friend in the female dancer: they once studied together at ballet school. The dancer gives Zina her pointe shoes, and they reminisce their old lessons, competing with each other. Zina’s skill even impresses the classical dancer, and Pyotr, surprised by how little he knows about his wife, begins to feel jealous.
Work in the field is in full swing, under the guidance of energetic foremen. The artists arrive, accompanied by the chairman, who rewards the best brigades. An improvised celebration begins in honour of the end of harvesting. The chairman and his wife perform an old chaconne dance. Milkmaids offer milk to the guests. The male dancer, gathering his strength, surprises the audience with his skills. His partner is no inferior to him in her virtuosity. Their dance makes a strong impression on the audience, and only Peter finds the guests’ art to be artificial and out of place. Zina is offended by his rudeness and lack of hospitality. The tractor driver tries to reconcile everyone and performs a lively dance, with Galya joining in. The chairman suggests holding a dance evening, but for now they should all get some rest.
The male dancer is unable to escape the persistent attention of the chairman’s wife. He seeks help from Pyotr and the tractor driver, and in gratitude promises to resolve their problems. Meanwhile, Zina and the female dance plan a surprise for everyone.

Act two

Dances in the Park of Culture and Leisure. Zina and the classical dancer are rehearsing a surprise number. The appearance of the chairman interrupts their solitude, but the girls trick the intruder and escape. Galya and the tractor driver are left alone for the first time thanks to the classical dancer. Meanwhile, the dancer, now disguised in a dress, teaches Peter the intricacies of duet dancing. Zina and the female dancer catch them in the act, and not recognizing the male dancer, assume that Pyotr is courting a girl. But soon all the misunderstandings are resolved.
The chairman’s wife is upset over a quarrel with her husband, and mutual love between other people only saddens her. But soon she realizes that her happiness has been right there with her all along.

Act three

The celebration is in full swing: visiting artists, young people and the elderly are all dancing. Now that everything has been settled, it’s the perfect time to dream about the future....