. >> nakisha fogo has been waiting for this moment all year. >> it's special because i have a little i say before. >> reporter: it's opening night of "the nutcracker," and nakisha is the sugar plum fairy. >> as soon as you step on stage, it's a really nice feeling. >> reporter: but before the curtain opens, her preparation begins here at her apartment. and for a moment she looks like any other 20-something living in san francisco. only nakisha makes her breakfast next to her point shoes. >> the job doesn't really finish once you leave the office. >> reporter: everything from her makeup to her clothes. >> this one is really pretty. this feels like a sugar plum. >> reporter: it's all about getting into character as the principal dancer for the san francisco ballet, she knows her impact reaches far beyond the stage. >> i did get a lot of messages from people saying that i'm helping them or that i'm inspiring to them. >> reporter: nakisha was born in sweden. her father is jamaican and her mother is white. both of them were dancers, and it was clear early on she had a gift. >> when i was

. >> reporter: nakisha has been waiting for this moment all year. >> it is always a moment before youge that is very special. i have a little mantra that i say before. >> reporter: it is opening night of the nutcracker and she is the sugarplum fairy. the making of the nerves, as soon as you step on stage. it just let's go. it is a really nice feeling. >> reporter: before the curtain opens at the war memorial opera house, her preparation begins here, at her apartment. for a moment, she looks like any other 20-year-old living in san francisco. she makes her breakfast next to her point shoes. >> it is a full-time job. the job does not finish once you leave . >> reporter: everything from her makeup -- >> i try to match my eyeshadow , or the vibe of the make up with my costume , which i love. >> reporter: -- to her close. >> this is pretty. this feels like a sugarplum. >> reporter: it is all about getting into character. as the principal dancer for the san francisco ballet, she knows her impact reaches far beyond the stage. >> i got a lot of messages from people saying that i am helping th