The Australian Ballet has unboxed its 2026 season, one that spans classical favourites, bold international works and a landmark collaboration with Bangarra Dance Theatre.

Artistic Director David Hallberg unveiled the program on Tuesday, describing it as a year that “reignites cherished memories and creates vivid new ones” through a mix of tradition and innovation.

The season begins in January with Signature Works at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre (28 February – 1 March), a showcase of ballets drawn from the company’s repertoire. Performed with Orchestra Victoria under Music Director Jonathan Lo, the program features iconic pas de deux and modern masterpieces by choreographers who have shaped dance across generations.

Flora. Photo © Pierre Tousaint

The first mainstage production is Flora, a new full-length work choreographed by Wirangu and Mirning woman Frances Rings, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Bangarra. Featuring more than 35 dancers from both companies, the collaboration premieres in Melbourne (12–21 March) before moving to Sydney (7–18 April).

Set to an original score by Kalkadungu composer William Barton, with costumes by Meriam-Samsep designer Grace Lillian Lee and set design by Elizabeth Gadsby, Flora explores Australia’s native flora through cultural, environmental and spiritual perspectives. Hallberg describes it as the “most significant collaboration to date” between the two companies, blending storytelling traditions with ballet’s classical form.

John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet returns to Sydney (24 April–13 May), Melbourne (6–16 June) and Brisbane (15–25 August). With Prokofiev’s score and Jürgen Rose’s designs, the production has become a cornerstone of The Australian Ballet’s repertoire. Revived in 2022, it remains one of the company’s most enduring works.

A major international highlight follows with the Australian premiere of Tony Award-winner Justin Peck’s Copland Dance Episodes, performed in Melbourne (23 June – 2 July) and Sydney (6–21 November). Created for New York City Ballet in 2022, the work sets Peck’s choreography to Aaron Copland’s music and features designs by Choctaw-Cherokee artist Jeffrey Gibson. The production marks the first time the piece will be staged outside the United States.

Melbourne audiences will also see Stuttgart Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty (9–17 October), choreographed by Marcia Haydée. Presented by The Australian Ballet, the guest season brings one of Europe’s leading companies to Australia, offering what Hallberg calls “a rare opportunity to experience a crown jewel of the classical repertoire performed by one of the world’s great ballet ensembles.”

The year concludes with a return season of Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker at the Sydney Opera House from 28 November. The production, with sets and costumes by John F. Macfarlane, follows its sold-out 2024 run and remains a family favourite.

Announcing the season, Hallberg said the program reflected a commitment to “lifelong devotees, newcomers and everyone in between,” adding, “With five classical and contemporary works, some timeless and others groundbreaking, this season is dedicated to our audiences and celebrates the many ways ballet inspires, moves and connects us all.”

For more information on The Australian Ballet’s 2026 season, visit australianballet.com.au