Copland Dance Episodes will open at the Regent Theatre on 23rd June 2026 before a Sydney Opera House season in November
The Australian Ballet will give Copland Dance Episodes its Australian premiere at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on 23rd June 2026, becoming the first company outside New York City Ballet to perform Justin Peck’s acclaimed work.
The Melbourne season will run until 2nd July 2026 with Orchestra Victoria, before the production travels to the Sydney Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre from 6th to 21st November 2026 with Opera Australia Orchestra.
The production marks a major addition to The Australian Ballet’s 2026 calendar. It also carries extra significance for the company, with the Melbourne season confirmed as its final performances at the Regent Theatre before returning to the Ian Potter State Theatre.
Copland Dance Episodes features 30 dancers across 22 episodes, with choreography by Peck and music by Aaron Copland. The work draws on four of Copland’s scores and places large ensemble movement at the centre of the production.
Peck, Resident Choreographer of New York City Ballet, made his Australian debut with The Australian Ballet in 2022 through Everywhere We Go. His work spans ballet, Broadway and film, including Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and the 2023 film Maestro. He has won three Tony Awards for Best Choreography.
The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director David Hallberg said Peck’s work had a strong sense of momentum.
“Justin Peck has a rare ability to create work that feels electrifying and alive,” Hallberg said.
“If you loved Everywhere We Go, you’ll recognise the same momentum and joy in Copland Dance Episodes.”
Hallberg said the Australian premiere also reflected the standing of the company and its dancers.
“Bringing Copland Dance Episodes to Australia is a major endorsement of the Company’s global artistic standing and a testament to the exceptional calibre of our dancers,” he said.
The production also features set design by Choctaw-Cherokee artist Jeffrey Gibson, costumes by former New York City Ballet dancer Ellen Warren, and lighting design by Brandon Stirling Baker.
Copland Dance Episodes was originally commissioned by New York City Ballet and premiered on 26th January 2023 at the David H. Koch Theater.
Performance Details
Copland Dance Episodes will run at Regent Theatre in Melbourne from 23rd June to 2nd July 2026, with Orchestra Victoria.
The Sydney season will run from 6th to 21st November 2026 at the Sydney Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre, with Opera Australia Orchestra.
