The 2026 GLORY Chinese Ballet Stars Gala brings together leading Chinese ballet dancers from around the world. The program features a mix of classical and contemporary works, including pieces from Swan Lake, Giselle, and Jewels. Attendees can expect performances by principal dancers from major international ballet companies.

About the Show

The 2026 GLORY Chinese Ballet Stars Gala is a professional ballet performance organized by Ao Dingwen, featuring outstanding Chinese ballet dancers from both domestic and international companies. The gala combines classical and contemporary ballet works, presenting a curated program that highlights technical skill and artistic expression.

Performers

Producer / Director / Artistic Director: Ao Dingwen

Youth dancer, ballet director, and producer. Former principal of Liaoning Ballet Company, currently assistant general director and principal of Suzhou Ballet.

Featured Artists:

• Chun Wai Chan – Principal, New York City Ballet, first Chinese principal in the company’s history.
• Fang Zhongjing – Soloist, American Ballet Theatre.
• Sun Jiayong – Principal, Béjart Ballet Lausanne.
• Yang Ruiqi – Principal, Hong Kong Ballet.
• Zhang Jinhao – Principal, Bavarian State Ballet.
• Shang Yaoqian – Principal, Birmingham Royal Ballet.
• Liang Zecheng – Principal, Philadelphia Ballet.
• Liu Sirui – Principal, Cincinnati Ballet.
• Zhang Yuanyuan – Principal, Dutch National Ballet.
• Bai Dingkai – Dancer, Norwegian National Ballet.

Event Program

First Half:

• Black Swan Pas de Deux from Swan Lake
• Pas de Deux from Lady White Snake
• Pas de Deux from Giselle Act II
• Pas de Deux from Trois Gnossiennes
• Pas de Deux from Sleeping Beauty

Intermission: 20 minutes

Second Half:

• Grand Pas Classique from Paquita
• Midnight Pas de Deux
• After the Rain Pas de Deux
• Diamonds Pas de Deux from Jewels
• Grand Pas de Deux from Don Quixote
• Finale

Why It’s Worth Seeing

Audiences are able to witness internationally acclaimed Chinese ballet dancers performing both classical and contemporary pieces on one stage. With a lineup of principals and soloists from major ballet companies, attendees can experience high-level ballet artistry in Shanghai.