Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” is a holiday treat for legions of children and adults each year. But the biggest treat of all goes to young dancers who get to play Clara, the recipient of the Christmas gift that gives the ballet its name.

For budding dancers who dream of a life in ballet, turning themselves into the story’s heroine is one of the first big milestones on their path to their goal. In N.C. Dance Theatre’s annual production, which opens Saturday, two students from NCDT’s school share the role. They’re both playing it for their first time. Here’s an introduction to the lucky pair.

Phoebe Klett

Phoebe, 13, is a home-schooled eighth-grader from Davidson.

Has studied dance for: 11 years.

How long she performed smaller parts in “Nutcracker”: Five years.

Favorite thing about playing Clara: “I not only get a chance to perform beautiful choreography, but I get a chance to practice acting. ... I have dreamed of being Clara in N.C. Dance Theatre’s ‘Nutcracker’ ever since I was an angel. I hope that I can bring an story and a life to the character that the audience will enjoy.”

Career goal: To become a principal dancer at a ballet company. She also hope to choreograph or teach.

A typical day: Wakes up at 7:15 a.m., then spends the day on schoolwork. She changes into her dance outfit, puts her hair up and has “a big snack” before starting ballet classes at 4:30 p.m. She’s finished around 8 p.m.

Favorite food: Pasta.

Favorite TV show: “Modern Family.”

How she spent last summer: Summer program at the School of American Ballet in New York.

Celeste Borman

Celeste, 12, is from Stanley, where she’s in the seventh grade at East Lincoln Middle School.

Has studied dance for: 10 years.

How long she performed smaller parts in “Nutcracker”: Five years.

Favorite thing about playing Clara: “The role is challenging. I love learning new dances and learning how to do more steps.”

Career goal: To be a professional dancer. When that’s over she wants to teach dance, “so it will never go away.”

A typical day: She’s at school from 7:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. After a quick stop at home, she heads to Charlotte for dance class, putting her hair into a bun on the way. After class, she does her homework in the car, then goes to bed about 10 p.m.

Favorite food: Fruit salad.

Favorite TV show: “Dance Moms.”

How she spent last summer: Attended four-week NCDT session, then visited relatives in Texas and went to the beach and mountains.