Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Dec. 14 (UPI) -- An Alabama ballet company's star dancer overcame a short spine and two left feet to grab a key role in the dog-centric "Mutt-Cracker." The Birmingham Ballet announced "The Mutt-Cracker," a dog-themed twist on "the classic 'tail'" of "The Nutcracker," this year stars a border collie mix named Pig as the Sugar Plum Fairy's on-stage companion. Advertisement Pig is one of only seven dogs in the world known to be born with short spine syndrome, which makes it appear as though she doesn't have a neck. The canine performs pirouettes and other dance moves on stage. "We love having her in the show. She was perfect for the [role]," Cindy Free, director of the Birmingham Ballet, told Inside Edition. "She's a petite, dainty package of joy." She said Pig also appeared in last year's "Mutt-Cracker" production. "She has been working on her pirouettes since last year, and she's gotten them pretty well," Free said, "especially if you offer her bacon-chicken strips." The "Mutt-Cracker" stars a total of 29 dogs and a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, the ballet said. Advertisement Read More Woman rescued from frozen pond after trying to save family dog Puppy's relaxing Roomba ride comes to an abrupt end Dog pulls off savage tackle in game of backyard football