A dancer in bright yellow, in motion against a light grey background.

The Australian Ballet 2026 Season

Explore the season

The Australian Ballet’s 2026 season is for joy, for love, for connection and for tradition. Season 2026 is ballet, made for you.

With four classical and contemporary works – some timeless, others ground-breaking – Season 2026 promises to reignite old memories and create vivid new ones.

Upcoming events

Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker

18 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026

With an enchanting score and charming story, this beloved ballet transports audiences into the traditional festive fairytale. On Christmas Eve Clara receives a nutcracker doll who magically comes to life. Together they battle the Rat King and visit the Land of Sweets for a grand celebration with the Sugar Plum Fairy before Clara wakes up at the foot of the Christmas tree – but was it really all a dream?

  • Dance
  • Kids & Families
  • Ballet
  • The Australian Ballet

Flora

7 – 18 Apr 2026

The Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre present Flora, an exciting and bold new dance collaboration, featuring over 35 dancers drawn from both companies.

  • Dance
  • Ballet
  • The Australian Ballet
Two dancers in off-white textured costume with arms interlocked and white clay on their bare arms, against a dark green background.

Romeo and Juliet

24 Apr – 13 May 2026

The world’s most famous love story - John Cranko interprets Shakespeare’s immortal text into a beloved classical ballet. With its compelling storytelling that always hits the heart, Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet is a majestic vision of Shakespeare’s play, performed by The Australian Ballet’s exceptional company of dancers. Capturing the fierce clashes of rival families against the luminous flare of young love, the choreography is driven by Sergei Prokofiev’s dramatic score.

  • Dance
  • Ballet
  • The Australian Ballet
Two dancers with their faces close to touching, eyes closed.

Copland Dance Episodes

6 – 21 Nov 2026

In a stunning explosion of colour and music, The Australian Ballet presents the Australian Premiere of Copland Dance Episodes by New York City Ballet Resident Choreographer Justin Peck. Brightening the stage with its joyful energy and exciting choreography, Copland Dance Episodes is a joyful celebration of art and artistry. Thirty dancers perform across 22 episodes set to Aaron Copland’s vivid music in this unmissable modern ballet that honours the art form while exploring its exciting new frontiers.

  • Dance
  • Ballet
  • The Australian Ballet
A group of five dancers posed in bright coloured leotards against a light beige background.

The Nutcracker

28 Nov – 16 Dec 2026

The Australian Ballet return with the beloved festive ballet The Nutcracker. Sir Peter Wright’s magical production remains faithful to the 19th-century original and will fill audiences with the Christmas spirit.

  • Dance
  • Ballet
  • The Australian Ballet
A ballerina in a pink jewelled tutu and tiara mid-pose, against a dark red and grey background.