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.
The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC), together with Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia, will honour the late choreographer Douglas Wright with the restaging of his iconic Gloria in March 2026, as part of the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts. Acclaimed as one of New Zealand’s most magnificent artists of the 21st century and renowned for his beautiful, brave and innovative work, Wright’s work was featured in five previous festivals, including Gloria in 1992. The work is set to Vivaldi’s famous score, performed live by The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Voices New Zealand and conducted by Dr Joseph Nolan. This ground-breaking triple bill brings together leading voices from both sides of the Tasman, featuring brand new works by Co3 Founding Artistic Director Raewyn Hill and renowned Māori choreographer and Artistic Director of NZDC Moss Patterson. Hill’s A Moving Portrait offers an intimate meditative reflection on ageing, fragility and grace. Patterson’s Lament traces a powerful journey through memory and resilience. Gloria – A Triple Bill will be presented from 12 – 14 March 2026, at St James Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit www.festival.nz/events/all/gloria.
Once again, the New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) is selling a wall calendar for the new year. The 2026 calendar features NZSD students in vibrant and visually stunning images by Stephen A’Court. It makes for a great gift for dance lovers, friends, family members or even a treat for yourself. Pick-up and delivery options are available. To purchase, head to www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/events/nzsd-2026-wall-calendar.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
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