Even though they are very different in some ways, two emperor penguins named Mumble and Gloria have been best friends since they were hatched, and know they will remain so for the rest of their lives.

When the penguin elders blame Mumble's unique "happy feet" for the shortage of food, Mumble--a young penguin who loves to dance--bravely sets off on an epic quest to prove them wrong.

Emperor Penguins from Antarctica each express their true love with a special heartsong of their own that expresses their very being. However, the misfit Mumble cannot sing. Instead he has an extraordinary talent to tap dance with almost magical energy and expression. Nevertheless, the leadership of the colony fearfully blames the young penguin's unorthodox ways for the lean fishing that threatens them all. Defiant in the face of unjust rejection,...