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Ballet Honors Girl's Dream, Names Nutcracker Role
24 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A new character, 'Olivia or Oliver,' was permanently added to The Nutcracker.
- The Oklahoma City Ballet created this role to honor a terminally ill girl.
- The role will be performed by different children each year.
The Oklahoma City Ballet is honoring Olivia Francis, a 12-year-old girl battling a rare neurological condition, by permanently adding a character named "Olivia or Oliver" to their production of "The Nutcracker." This new role will be performed by different children each year, creating a lasting legacy for Francis.
Francis realized her dream of performing in "The Nutcracker" in December 2022, despite her diagnosis of Friedreich's ataxia. Her participation, though limited by her condition, deeply inspired the ballet's artistic director, Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, leading to the creation of this tribute.
This heartwarming initiative, a collaboration with Oklahoma Children's OU Health, ensures that Francis's passion for ballet and her spirit continue to shine on stage, offering a special opportunity for other children to fulfill their performance dreams.
