The Australian Ballet has unveiled its 2026 season – a sweeping program that transports audiences into worlds of wonder, romance, and imagination.
Under the visionary artistic direction of David Hallberg, the Company will present landmark Australian premieres, beloved classics, exclusive international works and exciting new collaborations, continuing to redefine ballet for a new era and new audiences.
From timeless fairytales and iconic love stories to daring contemporary creations, the season celebrates the diversity and power of ballet, honouring tradition while forging new creative ground that deepens our connection to story, place and each other.
The year begins with Signature Works – a special showcase of some of the Company’s most treasured ballets, performed at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre. From there, the season spans continents and generations, with a richly layered program that speaks to ballet’s evolving role in modern culture.
The mainstage season opens with Flora – a landmark collaboration between The Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre choreographed by Mirning woman Frances Rings, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Premiering in Melbourne before moving to Sydney, this bold new full length work is the most significant collaboration to date, with an ensemble of over 35 dancers drawn from both companies. Flora marks a new chapter in Australian dance performance, an evocative meeting and deep connection of cultures, movement and storytelling.
At the heart of the season lies the greatest love story ever told. John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet returns in all its sweeping, heartbreaking beauty – a richly choreographed adaptation of Shakespeare’s most enduring tale of passion and fate. Touring Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, this beloved classic captures the soaring highs of love and devastating lows of loss, brought to life through some of ballet’s most breathtaking pas de deux.
In a thrilling first for Australian audiences, Tony Award-winning choreographer Justin Peck brings Copland Dance Episodes to Melbourne and Sydney, making its debut outside New York City. Peck’s dynamic and joyful choreography redefines tradition and identity, underscoring The Australian Ballet’s commitment to bold, contemporary international premieres.
Melbourne audiences will be treated to an exclusive season of Marcia Haydée’s The Sleeping Beauty – a timeless fairytale performed by The Stuttgart Ballet, presented by The Australian Ballet. A major coup for the company, this is a rare opportunity to experience one of Europe’s leading ballet companies on Australian soil. Their acclaimed interpretation of this timeless fairytale adds to The Australian Ballet’s continued invitation for the great ballet companies to perform in Australia.
To close the year with festive tradition and magic, Sir Peter Wright’s timeless production of The Nutcracker returns to the Sydney Opera House following its sold-out 2024 season. This beloved family classic enchants with dazzling costumes, whimsical characters, and a feast of festive wonder, making it the perfect finale to a season of imagination and beauty.
“The 2026 season reflects our commitment to presenting ballet in its expressive depth for life-long devotees, newcomers and everyone in between,” said The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director, David Hallberg.
“With five classical and contemporary works, some timeless and others ground-breaking, this season is dedicated to our audiences and celebrates the many ways ballet inspires, moves and connects us all. Season 2026 is about creating moments of wonder and connection that resonate long after the curtain falls.”
“Season 2026 promises to reignite cherished memories and create vivid new ones. It is a season of collaboration and cultural dialogue, most notably through Flora, our groundbreaking partnership with Bangarra Dance Theatre.”
“By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we honour ballet’s rich heritage while shaping a future that is vibrant, relevant and inclusive for all who experience it. I’m incredibly proud to present this season to our audiences. We made it with you all in mind,” added Hallberg.
In addition to its mainstage seasons, The Australian Ballet will present a range of community engagement initiatives throughout 2026. The National Tour will travel to Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, bringing world-class ballet to regional centres, while the Company’s education program continues to inspire young audiences with performances and workshops in schools across the country.
Principal Packages go on sale 16 September. Create Your Own Packages go on sale 14 October, while single tickets go on sale 20 November 2025. For more information on the 2026 Season, visit: www.australianballet.com.au for details.
Images: Courtney Radford and Hugo Dumapit – photo by Pierre Toussaint (Flora) | Robyn Hendricks and Davi Ramos – photo by Pierre Toussaint (Romeo and Juliet) | Ako Kondo – photo by Simon Eeles (The Nutcracker)