PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - Before a holiday tradition returns to the stage, area kids were able to get a preview Thursday.

More than 2,000 kids saw the Peoria ballet company’s performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Peoria Civic Center on Thursday.

A staple in Central Illinois since the 1980s, 100 dancers will be joined by professionals from New York City in their performance of Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet.

While many might think all eyes would be on this weekend, the cast said performing for kids ahead of time is even more fulfilling.

“It’s really a privilege for us, honestly, to have them come see us,” said Audrey Trenkle, who plays the role of the Snow Queen. “It’s even more exciting than some shows because they’re so little, and they love seeing something like this. It’s really a goo

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