The large brass Kaufmann's clock strikes and awakens Marie from a fantastic, colorful dancing affair and an adventure in the Land of Enchantment. She rubs her eyes, wondering "Was it all just a dream?" The young dancers who whirled around the Benedum Center stage as Marie and her Nutcracker Prince relished in a graceful performance by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier can relate to that sentiment. To them, performing in the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's version of "The Nutcracker" is a dream come true. But these children have learned that achieving their dreams takes hard work, dedication and a fierce passion for performing. Caitlin Koman Miller, 11, a Natrona Heights sixth-grader, has discovered how to balance varying roles in her chaotic life. During the weekdays, she attends the Ellis School in Pittsburgh, trains at T.H.E. Dance Place in Natrona Heights and studies ballet, jazz and character dancing at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. "I love learning jazz and ballet," Caitlin says. "I especially love learning new jumps and making sure that my technique is growing so that I can move up to the next level." Miller began dancing when she was 2 years old and plans to make it a career. She aspires to attend The Juilliard School, a New York performing-arts college renowned in the dance world. "I want to attend Juilliard so that I can continue the outstanding training that I have received so far," Caitlin says. "Someday, I want to audition to be a Rockette or to dance on Broadway." Eventually, Caitlin says, she would like to own a dance studio. Kayla Zboran, 9, from Freeport also has learned about time management at an early age. A fourth-grade student at Cheswick Christian Academy in Cheswick, she began dancing when she was 2. Zboran has received instruction at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School since she was 5. Despite her flair for dancing, Kayla isn't sure it is something she will do long-term. "I think I could be a professional ballerina," Kayla says. "But I don't know for sure if that's what I want to do." Staying en pointe At the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, much of the past three months of the young girls' instruction has been devoted to auditioning and rehearsing their roles for this year's "Nutcracker," which artistic director Terrence Orr has staged within Pittsburgh-inspired scenes. The show will run until Dec. 23. Kathy Marusko, the school's operations director, says students audition for roles in "The Nutcracker" in early September and begin rehearsing as soon as two weeks later. Students rehearse an average of once per week, but extra rehearsals are scheduled if needed. "As the opening of 'The Nutcracker' draws near," Marusko says, "students often attend extra dress rehearsals with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company." Caitlin performs the roles of a mouse and a clown, while Kayla performs as a sheep. They have been dancing in the show for three years, which showcases more than 140 students as young as 7 years old. Caitlin's roles incorporate her agility. She relates especially to the clown role, because it combines her fervor for dance, gymnastics and entertainment. "(The clown role) adds my touch of loving to perform and making people laugh," she says. Caitlin has gained extensive experience in her roles. She has performed as a mouse for three years and a clown for two years. Zboran performed three roles last year -- a little girl at a party, a mouse and a clown. "Performing all three roles was fun and exciting," Kayla says. "This will be first year as a sheep. It's just fun to be on stage, dancing, no matter what the role." Setting priorities Both of the girls say that while performing is enjoyable and inspiring, they never lose sight of what's most important in their lives: education. "School comes first," Caitlin says. "I just like having fun -- but my grades do come first." Kayla says she finds extra time for schoolwork by efficiently managing her free time. "You learn to use your time very well," she says. "I don't usually watch TV." Both do homework during rides to rehearsals or dance classes. Beth Zboran, Kayla's mother, says the week before the show's opening is the busiest for her family. She picks Kayla up from school and heads directly to the Benedum Center for rehearsals. "(The week before opening) is the craziest," Zboran says. "But once the show starts, Kayla loves it." Focusing on school and artistic training can leave some children yearning for more recreational time. But with the help of their families and a determination to take advantage of opportunities, the dancers still manage to find time to be kids. "I have quite a social life," Caitlin says. "My parents make sure that I am well rounded so I will be able to participate in every aspect of my life." Because matinees require the children to be absent from school, the dancers often have to put in more time to make up the missed work. Marusko, the school operations director, says "The Nutcracker's" December show schedule calls for parents and students to adjust their agendas. "Work schedules, dinners and homework are juggled to accommodate participation in 'The Nutcracker,' " Marusko says. "But the excitement and experience of performing in (the show) keeps (them) coming back year after year to be part of the performing family." Additional Information:

'The Nutcracker'

Where: The Benedum Center, Downtown When: Through Dec. 23 Cost: Tickets range from $14 to $70 Details: 412-456-6666 or www.pbt.org

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