In brief
Shanghai Ballet’s two‑hour rendition of Giselle at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts captured acclaim from a New York audience, with comments from local attendee Miya Dunham and college student Natasha. The performance marked a highlight of the company’s tour, which will visit 13 cities across eight U.S. states during October and November. Shanghai Ballet, founded in 1979, blends Chinese and Western styles in productions such as Swan Lake and its original The Butterfly Lovers.
On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Shanghai Ballet staged the classic romantic ballet Giselle at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Long Island, an event that drew cheers and prolonged applause from an enthusiastic New York crowd.
Miya Dunham, a New York resident, said:
"I was impressed by the poetic atmosphere and magnificent performances of the Chinese dancers," she added, "it was such a beautiful experience."
College student Natasha, who did not provide her surname, said:
"It truly exceeded my expectations," she added, "Chinese dancers demonstrated extraordinary techniques and remarkable skills."
The two‑hour performance echoed the timeless love story of a peasant girl betrayed and forgiven, a narrative that has captivated audiences for generations. Shanghai Ballet’s presentation highlighted its distinctive “Shanghai‑style” technique that fuses Eastern and Western ballet traditions.
Ji Pingping, director of the company, reflected on its long‑standing presence in the United States: "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."
The New York night was part of Shanghai Ballet’s 2026 U.S. tour, which spans 13 cities across eight states, including California, Arizona, New Jersey and Virginia. In addition to Giselle, the tour will feature the original ballet The Butterfly Lovers. The tour will run from Oct. 13 to Nov. 12, adding to the company’s extensive domestic outreach since its founding in 1979.
Shanghai Ballet’s repertoire, noted by critics, includes classical staples such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet, as well as original works like The White‑Haired Girl and the eponymous Butterfly Lovers. The company’s combination of Chinese thematic elements and Western technical precision has become a signature voice in the global ballet landscape.
