Shanghai Ballet to Perform ‘Giselle’ at Penn State’s Eisenhower Auditorium

Shanghai Ballet will return to North America for the first time in more than five years with a performance of the classic story ballet “Giselle” at Penn State next week. 

The company, led by Artistic Director Xin Lili, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Eisenhower Auditorium. The performance is part of the Center for the Performing Arts’ 2026-27 season. 

Tickets are $60 for adults, $14 for University Park students and $19 for people 18 and younger. They can be purchased online through the Arts Ticket Center. Visitors can avoid the $4 online transaction fee by calling 814-863-0255 or visiting the Eisenhower Auditorium box office on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Shanghai Ballet’s production features the company’s signature combination of classical ballet technique, coordinated ensemble work and expressive storytelling. The company is known for performances that blend traditional European ballet with elements of Chinese artistry. 

Founded in 1979, Shanghai Ballet is one of China’s leading ballet companies. Under Lili’s artistic direction, its repertoire has expanded to include many of the major 19th-century European ballets alongside original works inspired by Chinese folklore and literature. 

The company has performed internationally, earning recognition for its ability to pair classical dance traditions with distinct cultural influences. A reporter for the Ottawa Citizen described the company’s approach to its repertoire, writing, “the company has expanded its repertoire significantly to include most of the standard 19th-century European ballets, as well as new works inspired by China’s folklore and literature, with fewer political overtones.” 

First performed in 1841, “Giselle” is considered one of the most enduring works in classical ballet. The story centers on a young woman who falls in love with a man who conceals his identity and is engaged to another woman.

After discovering his deception, Giselle dies of heartbreak. She later becomes one of the Wilis, spirits of women who died before their weddings and seek revenge on men who enter their territory after dark. 

Giselle must decide whether to join the spirits in punishing the man who betrayed her or protect him. The ballet explores themes of love, betrayal, grief and forgiveness.

During the performance, guests can visit a designated quiet space on the lounge level or borrow items to help with sensory needs, including noise-reducing earmuffs, anti-strobe glasses, lap pads and other sensory tools.

The KultureCity app also provides pre-visit social stories to help guests know what to expect before arriving. Visitors can access the Eisenhower Auditorium pre-visit guide and find additional details about accessibility services through the Center for the Performing Arts. 

The Nov. 5 performance is among several events scheduled for the Center for the Performing Arts’ season. Upcoming performances include the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis presenting “Marsalis’ Swinging Cities” at 4 p.m. Nov. 8 in Eisenhower Auditorium and Penn State School of Music’s annual “Mosaic” concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 6.