Brittany Browning was just a toddler when she first twirled in a tutu.

More than a decade later, Browning has grown into a graceful dancer with a deep appreciation for ballet and the performing arts.

"I love to dance," said Browning, 15, of Mililani. "It's just a natural part of me."

Browning is among dozens of other young dancers with the Hawaii State Ballet gearing up for "The Nutcracker," which starts tomorrow at the Mamiya Theatre.

Rehearsals leading up to the annual holiday production have been hot and hectic, said Browning, who this year will be performing as Clara's mother in Act I and dancing in "Spanish" for Act II.

"Lately it's been stressful and strenuous. It's ridiculous," Browning said, laughing.

But she wouldn't have it any other way.

"It's been a part of my life for such a long time that I've gotten used to it," said Browning, who has been with the ballet for nearly nine years. "It's so fun to get into it, let your inhibitions go and it's a good way to express yourself."

Another plus: It's a great total body workout, Browning said.

Dancing includes stretching, cardio and core workouts — all ways for dancers to develop agility, balance, flexibility and endurance, among other traits, she said.

With ballet rehearsals and classes six days a week for at least an hour and a half — sometimes up to five hours — it's no wonder Browning is in such tip-top shape.

"I feel good that I could exercise and enjoy something at the same time," she said.

Like others her age, Browning balances ballet with everything else in her packed schedule, which includes singing lessons, community theatre, church and, of course, school.

"I use time management," said Browning, a sophomore at Punahou School. With school a priority, Browning squeezes in homework and study times during breaks at school, ballet rehearsals and before bed.

Despite all of her academic and extracurricular activities, Browning said, it's always important to make time for health and fitness.

"I feel like in order to live a good life, you should be healthy," she said. "If you're healthy, you can do anything you really want to do."