By Lynne Adkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Pennsylvania Ballet’s annual performances of “The Nutcracker” begin tomorrow.

Today, at a dress rehearsal at the Academy of Music, more than a thousand area students attended the final run-through of Act II of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,” a program that has become a holiday favorite in Philadelphia.

Thirteen-year-old Lucas Tischler of Elkins Park (Montgomery County), Pa. dances the role of The Prince.

“I was Fritz last year, so it’s a big step up,” he tells KYW Newsradio.  “I like wearing the white suit, so it’s really nice.”

Lucas has been dancing for six years, and his friends think it’s pretty special.

“They’re actually pretty supportive,” he says.  “I guess they think it’s unique.  Everybody does sports and stuff, but not every guy does ballet.”

Performances run from December 10th through 31st.

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