A beloved seasonal tradition has made its return to Urbana, as the University of Illinois hosts a timeless classic at its theater.

On Thursday, the curtains rose for the first performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Audiences will have six more opportunities to experience this enchanting production before it concludes on Sunday. A board member of the Champaign Urbana Ballet highlighted that the performance features pre-professional dancers delivering a professional-grade show.