MARYSVILLE — Misako Sevon has been dancing since the fifth grade, but other than a role in a production of Pinocchio last year, it wasn’t until late this year that the 16-year-old Marysville Getchell High School sophomore became part of a major production.

“I’m one of the fighting mice,” Sevon laughed, acknowledging that “my part isn’t as big” in the 2011 Pacific Northwest Ballet production of “The Nutcracker.”

Her role nonetheless required her to attend 10 lengthy rehearsals early in November, to prepare for the 36 performances of the holiday classic between Nov. 25 and Dec. 27 at Seattle Center’s Marion Oliver McCaw Hall.

“It’s been hard to keep up with school, with the late-night rehearsals and performances, so I’ve had to skip a few days and then make up,” said Sevon, who trained at the Pilchuck Dance Academy and Northwest Dance and Acro.

While Sevon’s fighting mouse mask makes it hard for her to see while she’s dancing, she enjoys the freedom it gives her to “go crazy” onstage.

“It’s an honor to dance with the members of the company,” Sevon said. “It’s really inspiring. If you haven’t seen ‘The Nutcracker’ live, you need to because it’s so beautiful.”