Copland Dance Episodes
Joyous modern ballet.
In a stunning explosion of colour, fun and music, Justin Peck's Copland Dance Episodes makes its exclusive Australian premiere, and first performances outside New York, in Melbourne this June.
A Tony Award-winner and Resident Choreographer of New York City Ballet, Peck reaches new heights with this striking modern ballet that surges with energy, precision and cinematic sweep. Thirty dancers bring Aaron Copland's vivid, joyous score to life in 22 episodes that exude electricity from start to finish.
Dynamic, exhilarating and utterly uplifting, this is ballet at full volume.
If you liked Everywhere We Go (Justin Peck, Instruments of Dance 2022), Glass Pieces (Jerome Robbins, Prism 2025) or the 2021 film adaptation of West Side Story (choreographed by Justin Peck), you'll love Copland Dance Episodes.
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Sydney / Warrang
6 – 21 November 2026
- Australian Premiere
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Duration
73 minutes (no interval)
Cameron Holmes and Artists of The Australian Ballet, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Artists of The Australian Ballet, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Isobelle Dashwood and Jeremy Hargreaves, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Riley Lapham and Cameron Holmes, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Artists of The Australian Ballet, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Artists of The Australian Ballet, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Cameron Holmes and Artists of The Australian Ballet, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Artists of The Australian Ballet, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Isobelle Dashwood and Jeremy Hargreaves, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Riley Lapham and Cameron Holmes, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Artists of The Australian Ballet, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
Artists of The Australian Ballet, Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo by Kate Longley
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“A prismatic play of shape and colour” The Age
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“Captivating” Australian Book Review
Melbourne Audience Reviews
Copland Dance Episodes Cast
What to Expect from Copland Dance Episodes
Hear from Artistic Director David Hallberg and soloist artist Elijah Trevitt as they reflect on the creation of this vibrant program, and what makes Justin Peck’s choreography so exhilarating on stage.
Welcome To The Rodeo
Soloists Larissa and Elijah share the joy behind Justin Peck's Copland Dance Episodes, and how excited they are to bring his vibrant choreography to life this June.
Hot Hits: Aaron Copland
Get to know the music behind the man with the top five works from Copland Dance Episodes composer, Aaron Copland.
Downloadable Gift Certificate
Tickets to Copland Dance Episodes are a special gift. On completion of the purchase, you can download a printable gift certificate and fill out the performance details to give to your loved one.
Production credits
Choreography Justin Peck
Music Aaron Copland
Fanfare for the Common Man, Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo, Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid
Costume design Ellen Warren
Set design Jeffrey Gibson
Lighting design Brandon Stirling Baker
Copland Dance Episodes was originally commissioned by New York City Ballet, premiere January 26 2023, David H. Koch Theater.
Music
Melbourne
With Orchestra Victoria
Sydney
With Opera Australia Orchestra
We thank our production partners
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Official legal partner
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Season 2026
