POST BY CAROLINE PALMER, SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE

Childhood dreams can come true. Just ask Alexa Maxwell. While growing up in Minnetonka she wore out a VHS tape of New York City Ballet's "The Nutcracker," determined that someday she would dance with the world-class troupe. Last week the 19-year-old signed a contract to join the NYCB corps de ballet.

But dreams do differ from reality. Maxwell wasn't just handed this big gig. It's the result of years filled with body-busting effort and personal sacrifice. After studying locally at small dance schools as well as Minnesota Dance Theatre she left home at age 14 to join the prestigious Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet where she worked on her skills intensively and graduated from high school through online courses.

In June 2012 Maxwell traveled to Manhattan for the summer program at The School of American Ballet, NYCB's official training program founded by the legendary choreographer George Balanchine. She was asked to stay on and by December earned a coveted apprenticeship plus an opportunity to prove herself worthy of a spot with the company. "They see how you perform, your work ethic," Maxwell said by phone. "You have one year to try out and then [Ballet Master in Chief] Peter Martins either decides to take you on or you find another job."

So now the newest member of NYCB will be performing in the "Waltz of the Snowflakes" and the "Waltz of the Flowers" sections of Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" with other exceptionally talented young dancers throughout this month at Lincoln Center. "It's really exciting, almost all of the shows are sold out," she said, adding some awe at the large audience she sees when sneaking a peek from backstage.

After "The Nutcracker" Maxwell will prepare for NYCB's 2014 winter season by learning the "Diamonds" section of Balanchine's "Jewels" among other signature repertory works. And while Maxwell is thrilled with her new role in the corps she still has goals, including one day ascending to the level of soloist or even principal dancer. But in the meantime, she said, "I'm just going to keep working hard. I'm so happy to be here and I'm feeling very grateful."