Shanghai Ballet: Butterfly Lovers

Shanghai Ballet presents *Butterfly Lovers*, a poetic ballet adaptation of one of China’s most enduring love stories, often compared to Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet*. The production combines classical ballet technique with Chinese storytelling, sweeping choreography, lavish design, and a dramatic tale of love and sacrifice.

Founded in 1979, Shanghai Ballet is one of China’s leading ballet companies. The company has earned 32 international medals and performed at major venues worldwide, including Lincoln Center and the London Coliseum.

When: November 7, 2026

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: George Mason University Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Fairfax Campus

Choreography: Xin Lili

Music: Xu Jianqiang

Run time: Approximately 100 minutes, including an intermission

Ages: Appropriate for all ages

Tickets: $70, $60, or $45; prices include fees. Half-price tickets are available for youth through Grade 12.

Mason student tickets: A limited number of free tickets will be available to Mason students beginning two Tuesdays before the performance.

Pre-performance discussion: A discussion moderated by George Mason School of Dance Professor Matthew Powell begins one hour before the performance.

Performance program: The program is scheduled to become available during the week of the event, with a digital version offered online.