The Shanghai Ballet performed the classical ballet Giselle at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Long Island on Sunday night, November 2, 2026. Visitors witnessed a two‑hour rendition of the timeless romantic tragedy, which tells the tale of a young peasant girl battling love, betrayal, and forgiveness.
The performance concluded amid prolonged applause and cheers from an audience that had not seen a Chinese ballet troupe in New York for several decades. The show was one of the two productions on the company’s 2026 U.S. tour – the other being the original ballet The Butterfly Lovers – and represents the Shanghai‑style blend of Eastern and Western dance traditions.
Mi Ay Dunham, a resident of New York, said the evening had left a lasting impression.
"I was impressed by the poetic atmosphere and magnificent performances of the Chinese dancers," she said. "It was such a beautiful experience."
College student Natasha, a first‑time attendee of a Chinese ballet company, added that the show surpassed her expectations.
"It truly exceeded my expectations. Chinese dancers demonstrated extraordinary techniques and remarkable skills," she remarked.
Director Ji Pingping reflected on the company’s long history in North America, stating, "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 current tour, running from October 13 to November 12, spans 13 cities across eight states, including California, Arizona, New Jersey, and Virginia. The Shanghai Ballet, founded in 1979, features a repertoire that ranges from classical Western works such as Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty to Chinese‑based originals like The White‑Haired Girl.
