In brief
The Shanghai Ballet brought the two‑hour ballet Giselle to the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Long Island on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2026. The show, part of the company’s 2026 U.S. tour of 13 cities, was praised for the dancers’ technique and the production’s poetic atmosphere. Director Ji Pingping highlighted the company’s Shanghai‑style blend of Chinese and Western dance traditions.
On Sunday, Nov. 2, 2026, the Shanghai Ballet staged the classical ballet Giselle at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Long Island, New York. The two‑hour performance showcased the company’s distinctive Shanghai‑style technique and attracted a packed audience.
Giselle is a romantic narrative that follows the tragic love story of a peasant girl, exploring themes of love, betrayal and forgiveness. The dancer’s artistry captured the play’s emotional depth, drawing cheers and prolonged applause from the crowd.
Miya Dunham, a New Yorker, said,
"I was impressed by the poetic atmosphere and magnificent performances of the Chinese dancers. It was such a beautiful experience,"
College student Natasha, who did not give her surname, shared that it was her first time watching a Chinese ballet company. She added,
"It truly exceeded my expectations. Chinese dancers demonstrated extraordinary techniques and remarkable skills,"
The show was part of Shanghai Ballet’s 2026 U.S. tour, which will run from Oct. 13 to Nov. 12 and covers 13 cities across eight states, including California, Arizona, New Jersey and Virginia.
Director Ji Pingping reflected on the company’s growth, noting,
"Since our first U.S. tour in 2002, Shanghai Ballet artists have brought our distinctive 'Shanghai‑style' ballet to audiences across the United States, performing nearly 100 shows and creating cherished and heartwarming memories,"
Founded in 1979, Shanghai Ballet blends Chinese and Western dance traditions to create its unique artistic style. Its repertoire features both classical works—such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet—as well as original productions including The White‑Haired Girl and The Butterfly Lovers.
