New Ballet presents Giselle at Hammer Theatre

New Ballet is presenting “Giselle” on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Hammer Theatre Center in downtown San Jose, with two performances scheduled that day. The company’s lineup includes an 11 a.m. “My Very First Ballet: Giselle” for toddlers, preschoolers and families, followed by a 2 p.m. full-length performance, according to New Ballet and the Hammer Theatre Center. The production is part of a two-day run on May 16 and 17. Artistic Director Dalia Rawson is credited with a world-premiere re-staging of the ballet rooted in its original choreography, the company said. ### What is happening at the Hammer Theatre on Sunday? Sunday’s schedule at the Hammer Theatre Center lists two separate “Giselle” events by New Ballet. The first begins at 11 a.m. as “My Very First Ballet: Giselle,” a shortened version built from selections from both acts, and the second begins at 2 p.m. as the full-length production. The San Jose venue is at 101 Paseo de San Antonio, and the performances follow two Saturday shows that began at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on May 16. (newballet.com) Event listings from New Ballet, Hammer Theatre and local arts calendars all show the same May 16-17 run. ### What is New Ballet saying about this production of “Giselle”? New Ballet describes the 2026 production as a “world premiere re-staging” by Rawson. (hammertheatre.com) The company says the staging offers “a fresh interpretation rooted in the ballet’s original choreography,” while keeping the 19th-century story intact. “Giselle” debuted in 1841, according to New Ballet’s production page, and tells the story of a peasant girl who dies after being deceived by a nobleman. (celebratefamily.us) In the second act, she joins the Wilis, described by the company as ghostly spirits of betrayed young women who rise at night to seek revenge on men. ### How is the family version different from the afternoon show? The Hammer Theatre Center says “My Very First Ballet: Giselle” is designed for toddlers, preschoolers and their families. (newballet.com) The venue describes it as a child-friendly presentation using carefully selected excerpts rather than the complete ballet. The 2 p.m. event on May 17 is listed as a full-length performance. New Ballet’s season page says the full performances are part of its annual spring story ballet presentation. (newballet.com) ### Who is performing and who is playing the music? New Ballet’s 2025-2026 performance page says the production features the company and students from New Ballet School. (hammertheatre.com) The same page says Symphony San Jose is performing at all performances under conductor Thomas Shoebotham. A promotional image on New Ballet’s “Giselle” page identifies dancers Stefana Seizovic and Jack Concordia. The company’s published materials do not, in the excerpts available online, provide a full cast list tied to the Sunday performances. (celebratefamily.us) ### Where can people still find details and tickets? Hammer Theatre Center and New Ballet both maintain event pages for the May 16-17 run. A DoTheBay listing also directs readers to ticket and event information for the San Jose performances. (newballet.com) Ticket information on a local family events calendar listed prices starting at $29.50, though availability and final purchase details are handled through the venue’s ticketing page. (newballet.com) Sunday’s remaining public information is posted through Hammer Theatre Center, New Ballet and partner event listings for the May 17 performances in San Jose. (celebratefamily.us) (dothebay.com)