A terminally ill girl starred in "The Nutcracker" and received an honorary degree Ballet company award (6 photos + 1 video)

In 2022, the Oklahoma City Ballet helped a 12-year-old girl fulfill a lifelong dream. Olivia Francis, despite an incurable illness and the inability to walk, performed in "The Nutcracker." And now Olivia's name will live on in the arts. The Oklahoma City Ballet has created a new role, and children with disabilities will perform it every year.





Olivia learned the news on December 12th. She was having dinner and watching the production in which she once performed.

"The Oklahoma City Ballet will forever be in our hearts. Now they will have a new character in The Nutcracker, Olivia or Oliver, depending on who plays the role," her mother wrote.







Olivia has Friedreich's ataxia, a rare, incurable neurological disorder that affects her ability to walk.

Last week, three children performed in the play. Juliana Creamer performed on December 20, Malaysia Jenkins the following day, and Whitley White on December 22.

This holiday season, the ballet company partnered with Children's Healthcare of Oklahoma to make a dream come true for young talents.

Before their performances, the dancers visited children in the hospital to read holiday stories and practice their dance moves.

"We have many young participants, some of whom are patients at Children's Healthcare of Oklahoma. Their performances will be vibrant and impressive. They've worked hard in rehearsals, and it's wonderful to see them bring their efforts to life on stage," said Erica Portell, director.





Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye conceived the role in Frances's honor.

"When Olivia could no longer perform, I realized we had to have a role for a child who dreamed of the stage," the director said.

Frances remembers crying when she learned her dream would come true. She admitted she was nervous. During rehearsals, she gracefully glided across the stage with a toy doll in her hands, among other ballerinas.

She made her debut on December 10, 2022, and continued performing until December 18. She is grateful for the experience, but the most valuable reward is the new friends she made.



Jolicoeur-Nye noted that everyone looked at Olivia as if mesmerized. The girl's mother burst into tears after seeing her performance.

Friedreich's ataxia is a genetic disorder that damages the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and cerebellum.

Frances will likely never walk again. Diagnosed in 2020, there is currently no cure.