Francesca Ramirez is one of the stars of "The Nutcracker" to be presented in Austin. Ballet Austin will bring the company's 46th annual production of "The Nutcracker" to the Long Center for Performing Arts. The cast will include a Del Valle dancer who has ties to Lampasas.

Francesca Ramirez will join the ballet company to dance the role of an angel.

The production is choreographed by Ballet Austin artistic director Stephen Mills and set to the music of Tchaikovsky. Francesca will dance through Clara's enchanted wintertime dream in this timeless fairy tale classic.

"We are thrilled to have this aspiring young dancer perform in The Nutcracker," said Michelle Martin, Ballet Austin associate artistic director. "Each student brings his or her own refreshing talents to the production and helps make this a true community endeavor."

Ballet Austin Academy students, ages 8 and older, were eligible to audition in September for roles in The Nutcracker.

Each child trains year-round at Ballet Austin Academy, and in October, after making it through the audition process, they add extra hours for rehearsal each weekend in preparation for the performances.

Performances are Dec. 6-23. Tickets range from $15-$71 at balletaustin.org or by phoning the office at (512) 476-2163.

Francesca is the daughter of Michael and Alice Ramirez of Del Valle. She is the granddaughter of Mary Sue Ramirez of Lampasas, and Francisco and Ascension Morales of LaGrange.