NYCB Stars Set to Dazzle Shanghai with Gala Performances

Shanghai Grand Theater will host two gala performances this weekend by star dancers from the New York City Ballet (NYCB), under the direction of Chun Wai Chan.

The show's artistic director was the first Chinese principal dancer of the NYCB.

The programs feature excerpts of NYCB's classics like "The Sleeping Beauty," "The Nutcracker," and "Diamonds" from "Jewels," as well as contemporary ballet and pas de deux works like "Butterfly Lovers."

Chan, born in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, began taking ballet classes at the age of 6 and trained at the Guangzhou Art School. As a Prix de Lausanne finalist in 2010, he received a full scholarship to the Houston Ballet Academy.

Chan joined Houston Ballet in 2012 and became principal dancer in 2017. He later joined NYCB as a soloist in 2021, and was promoted to principal dancer the next year.

"It has always been my dream to bring my friends I work with back to my homeland to perform," Chan remarked. "I want people to see the results of my years of hard work abroad and let these dancers from around the world experience China's beauty and warmth."

Established in 1948, NYCB is known for its founder, George Balanchine's quick, bright, precise, and musical physical expression in performances.

NYCB's principal dancers Tiler Peck, Mira Nadon, Roman Mejia, Sara Mearns, Gilbert Bolden, Peter Walker, Emma Von Enck, and Indiana Woodward will join Chan for the Shanghai performances.

If you go

Dates: July 17-18, 7:30pm

Tickets: 280-1,280 yuan

Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater 上海大剧院

Address: 300 People's Ave 人民大道300号