Shanghai Ballet stages Giselle in New York

Members of the Shanghai Ballet perform at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in New York, the United States, Nov. 1, 2026. The Shanghai Ballet brought the classical ballet Giselle to the New York stage Sunday night, captivating audiences with a performance that showcased the exquisite technique of Chinese ballet dancers. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai Ballet brought the classical ballet Giselle to the New York stage Sunday night, captivating audiences with a performance that showcased the exquisite technique of Chinese ballet dancers.

A timeless two-act romantic ballet, Giselle tells the tragic love story of a young peasant girl, exploring themes of love, betrayal and forgiveness.

The two-hour performance at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Long Island ended with prolonged applause and cheers from the audience.

"I was impressed by the poetic atmosphere and magnificent performances of the Chinese dancers," said Miya Dunham, a New Yorker. "It was such a beautiful experience," she added.

For college student and ballet enthusiast Natasha, who did not provide her surname, it was her first time watching a performance by a Chinese ballet company.

"It truly exceeded my expectations," she said. "Chinese dancers demonstrated extraordinary techniques and remarkable skills."

Sunday's performance was part of Shanghai Ballet's 2026 U.S. tour, which features two productions, Giselle and the original ballet The Butterfly Lovers. Running from Oct. 13 to Nov. 12, the tour spans 13 cities across eight states, including California, Arizona, New York, New Jersey and Virginia.

"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," said Ji Pingping, director of Shanghai Ballet.

Founded in 1979, Shanghai Ballet blends Chinese and Western dance traditions to create its distinctive artistic style. Its repertoire includes 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.

Members of the Shanghai Ballet perform at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in New York, the United States, Nov. 1, 2026. The Shanghai Ballet brought the classical ballet Giselle to the New York stage Sunday night, captivating audiences with a performance that showcased the exquisite technique of Chinese ballet dancers. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Members of the Shanghai Ballet perform at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in New York, the United States, Nov. 1, 2026. The Shanghai Ballet brought the classical ballet Giselle to the New York stage Sunday night, captivating audiences with a performance that showcased the exquisite technique of Chinese ballet dancers. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Members of the Shanghai Ballet perform at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in New York, the United States, Nov. 1, 2026. The Shanghai Ballet brought the classical ballet Giselle to the New York stage Sunday night, captivating audiences with a performance that showcased the exquisite technique of Chinese ballet dancers. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Members of the Shanghai Ballet perform at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in New York, the United States, Nov. 1, 2026. The Shanghai Ballet brought the classical ballet Giselle to the New York stage Sunday night, captivating audiences with a performance that showcased the exquisite technique of Chinese ballet dancers. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Members of the Shanghai Ballet take a curtain call at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in New York, the United States, Nov. 1, 2026. The Shanghai Ballet brought the classical ballet Giselle to the New York stage Sunday night, captivating audiences with a performance that showcased the exquisite technique of Chinese ballet dancers. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)