Local performers of the area join together in this story ballet about a village near the sea that is overrun with rats.  The mayor of the village is beseeched by the residents to do something about the rodent problem.  He seeks out the Pied Piper -- known for using his flute to exact certain actions.  The Piper agrees and rids the small town of the rats by enticing them to the sea to drown.  However, when the Piper returns for his pay, the mayor comes up empty-handed and the Piper storms off angry.  A short while later, he returns and asks if he could play for the townsfolk, and he is heartily welcomed.  All enjoy the dancing, but before long the "magic" of the flute wears off and only the children continue to dance.  The Piper leaves the village with all the children gleefully following behind in spite of parents trying to hold them back.  Having lost all their children, the townsfolk grieve.