The Australian Ballet has promoted Davi Ramos to principal artist during his first season in the title role of John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet, with the announcement made live on stage at the Sydney Opera House.
Artistic Director David Hallberg revealed the promotion on stage at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, in front of the audience, alongside company dancers and staff.
A promotion to principal artist is the highest rank within The Australian Ballet, recognising exceptional artistry and leadership on and beyond the stage. Ramos’ promotion sees him become the company’s first Brazilian, and first Black male principal artist.
This is the fifth promotion to principal artist made by Hallberg since his appointment as Artistic Director in 2020.
The principal artists of The Australian Ballet, like every part of the organisation, are supported by the generosity of our philanthropic community. Gifts of all sizes underpin its artistic work each day, helping to fuel the imagination, ambition and excellence that define our national ballet company, on stage and beyond.
The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director David Hallberg said, “Davi is an artist of extraordinary energy and strength. While audiences see his performances on stage, we see the dedication and discipline he brings to his work on a daily basis. His debut as Romeo this season revealed not only his technical command, but a genuine ability to move audiences through storytelling.”
Hallberg added, “It is a pleasure to recognise his growth and welcome him to the rank of principal artist, and I look forward to seeing him continue to flourish as he takes on new roles with the company in 2026 and beyond.”
Born in the Vidigal favela of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ramos discovered ballet at age 13 after his capoeira teacher encouraged him to take his first class. He trained at Lyceu Escola de Dança before receiving a scholarship to The Royal Ballet School in London, after competing in the Prix de Lausanne in 2016.
After graduating in 2019, he joined Dutch National Ballet Junior Company, where he rose through the ranks before joining The Australian Ballet in 2024 as a soloist. He was promoted to senior artist at the end of the 2024 season.
Since joining the company, he has performed a range leading roles, including Des Grieux in Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon (2025), a principal role in Jerome Robbins’ Glass Pieces (2025), Prince Désiré in David McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty (2025), and the Prince in Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker (2024).
Ramos said, “To be promoted to principal artist with The Australian Ballet is a dream come true. Coming from where I started in Brazil to standing on stage and receiving this recognition is incredibly special to me.”
He added, “I am very proud to be the first Brazilian artist and the first Black male artist to reach this level with the company. So much hard work, sacrifice and dedication has gone into this journey, which makes this moment even more meaningful. I am deeply grateful to David and to everyone who has helped me through my journey so far. I look forward to continuing to grow and to share my love of dance with audiences.”
Audiences can see Romeo and Juliet in Sydney until 13 May at the Sydney Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre, before the production travels to Melbourne from 6–16 June 2026 at the Regent Theatre, and Brisbane from 15–22 August 2026 at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre.
Across 2026, The Australian Ballet will present a diverse mainstage program including Justin Peck’s Copland Dance Episodes and Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker.
Ramos will also appear as a guest artist internationally, underscoring the international calibre of The Australian Ballet artists and their recognition on leading stages worldwide.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit australianballet.com.au.
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