Find out what’s happening in New Zealand dance news!
The Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) has announced the world premiere in February 2026 of a brand-new production of Macbeth, choreographed by Alice Topp, which will be a co-production with West Australian Ballet and premiering as part of the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival and the Auckland Arts Festival. “Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, exploring themes as current today as they were when first written, says Topp. “An epic story fuelled by political ambition, passion, desire for power and the burden of guilt, its potency endures. Our Macbeth is set in a hierarchy-hungry, high-society city, where political storms, media frenzy, and personal ambition collide.”
Award-winning designer Jon Buswell, a long-time RNZB collaborator, will create both set and lighting, while Sydney-based Aleisa Jelbart, renowned for her costume designs across ballet, opera and theatre, will bring a bold, contemporary aesthetic to the stage. Excitingly, Macbeth will also feature a new contemporary music score that includes a live string ensemble from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
RNZB’s 2026 season will also include the children’s ballet, Dazzlehands, which will tour nationally in April. The ballet is based on the picture book by Wellington-based author/illustrator team Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan. The Winter Season in July sees RNZB celebrate the outstanding and inspirational contribution of artists from the past, present and future with three stunning works: Birthday Offering (created by Sir Frederick Ashton to mark The Royal Ballet’s 25th birthday in 1956), Sarah Foster-Sproull’s Ultra Folly, and Andrea Schermoly’s Stand to Reason. And the 2026 season will close with The Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by Greg Horsman and with costumes and set designs by production designer and ex-RNZB artistic director Gary Harris.
The full RNZB 2026 programme can be found at rnzb.org.nz, and tickets are on sale now.
Footnote New Zealand Dance has introduced its 2026 Programme, with a vigorous mixture of acquainted favourites and daring new adventures. Again by fashionable demand, Trendy God by Jeremy Beck returns to the stage with a two week season at Circa Theatre earlier than heading out on tour. An audacious new work by Jessie McCall will probably be unveiled and introduced. The corporate’s signature workshops, residencies, and collaborations proceed to gasoline its kaupapa, whereas the Pōneke Pageant of Modern Dance returns triumphantly for its third 12 months. It’s an enormous season constructed for curiosity, connection, and the easy pleasure of constructing artwork with and for Aotearoa. See the total programme at www.footnote.org.nz/news/2026-programme.
The New Zealand Dance Firm (NZDC), along with Co3 Modern Dance Australia, will honour the late choreographer Douglas Wright with the restaging of his iconic Gloria in March 2026, as a part of the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Pageant of the Arts. Acclaimed as considered one of New Zealand’s most opulent artists of the 21st century and famend for his stunning, courageous and revolutionary work, Wright’s work was featured in 5 earlier festivals, together with Gloria in 1992. The work is about to Vivaldi’s well-known rating, carried out reside by The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Voices New Zealand and carried out by Dr Joseph Nolan. This ground-breaking triple invoice brings collectively main voices from either side of the Tasman, that includes model new works by Co3 Founding Creative Director Raewyn Hill and famend Māori choreographer and Creative Director of NZDC Moss Patterson. Hill’s A Shifting Portrait affords an intimate meditative reflection on ageing, fragility and style. Patterson’s Lament traces a robust journey by way of reminiscence and resilience. Gloria – A Triple Invoice will probably be introduced from 12 – 14 March 2026, at St James Theatre. For tickets and extra info, go to www.festival.nz/events/all/gloria.
As soon as once more, the New Zealand Faculty of Dance (NZSD) is promoting a wall calendar for the brand new 12 months. The 2026 calendar options NZSD college students in vibrant and visually gorgeous pictures by Stephen A’Court docket. It makes for an incredible present for dance lovers, mates, relations or perhaps a deal with for your self. Decide-up and supply choices can be found. To buy, head to www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/events/nzsd-2026-wall-calendar.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
