When Hannah Broom steps on stage to preside over the Kingdom of Sweets, she’ll be fulfilling a dance dream.

Broom, 16, is the Sugar Plum Fairy in this year’s production of “The Nutcracker” by the Natchez Ballet Academy.

A role generally reserved for two dancers, Broom will be the only sugar plum fairy this year.

“We had a professional lined up to do it with me this year, but now I am the only one,” said Broom, a local homeschool student. “It’s a little scary.”

Although she’s nervous, Broom is excited to take the stage in a role she says she has wanted to play for years.

“I’ve been wanting to do the sugar plum fairy role for forever, I guess,” Broom said. “It’s neat to have the little angels look up to you.”

Broom was a little angel her first year in “The Nutcracker.”

“I really looked up to my sugar plum fairy, so it’s great to be in that role now,” she said.

The production of “The Nutcracker” will be changed up a bit this year, with a revamping of costumes and a few scenes.

“We try to do a little something different each year,” said Mignon Reid, director of Natchez Ballet Academy.

But the story remains the same.

As a Christmas gift, a young girl named Clara receives the nutcracker doll and learns about its history. Hoping to rescue the prince from his fate, she finds herself suddenly traveling on a magical journey that includes not only the evil Mouse King but all sorts of interesting characters, such as gingerbread dolls, dancing snowflakes, gumdrops and candy canes, among others.

Cathedral seventh grader Kirstyn Hubbard and Trinity seventh grader Grace Richardson are sharing the role of Clara.

Hubbard has been dancing since she was 4 and has danced several roles and scenes in “The Nutcracker.

“This is like a big role, and it’s exciting,” she said. “I’m excited, but a little nervous, too.”

Being cast as Clara was a complete surprise to Richardson.

“I really wasn’t expecting it,” she said. “It took me by surprise; I’m very thankful for it.”

“The Nutcracker” is in its 31st season and is an annual production for the ballet academy. Broom, Hubbard and Richardson said they are proud to be part of the Christmas tradition in Natchez.

“It’s been such a long tradition, and we get to carry on that tradition with our dancers,” she said.

“The Nutcracker” will be performed at 7 p.m. Nov. 19-21 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 22. The mother-daughter tea is at 2 p.m. Nov. 21.

To purchase tickets, visit the Natchez Ballet Academy’s Facebook page or tututix.com.

Tickets are $12 for ages 3-11 and seniors and $15 for ages 12 and up.