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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Melbourne / Naarm
23 June – 2 July 2026
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Sydney / Warrang
6 – 21 November 2026
- Australian Premiere
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Duration
73 minutes (no interval)
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Ticket Price Range
Adults from $49
30 and under from $44
May differ based on availability and venue
Melbourne Special Offer: $72 Tickets*
Be one of the first to see Copland Dance Episodes in Melbourne with this special offer. $72 tickets available for performances from 24-26 June, until allocation exhausted*. Use code CDESALE to access.
Terms and conditionsA Priceless Experience at the Ballet
Uncover ballet secrets courtesy of a behind-the-scenes tour of The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre and a performance of Copland Dance Episodes at the Regent Theatre. Exclusively for Mastercard cardholders.
“Jazz flirts with ballet” — Bachtrack
“a rare combination of music and dance...makes the heart melt and swell concurrently” — Critical Dance
Copland Dance Episodes Cast
Hot Hits: Aaron Copland
Get to know the music behind the man with the top five works from Copland Dance Episodes composer, Aaron Copland.
Welcome To The Rodeo
Soloist Larissa and Coryphée 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.
Principal Artist Jill Ogai in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Elijah Trevitt in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Elijah Trevitt in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Dimity Azoury and Maxim Zenin in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Elijah Trevitt in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Dimity Azoury and Maxim Zenin in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Sharni Spencer and Jarryd Madden in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Dimity Azoury and Maxim Zenin in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Dimity Azoury and Maxim Zenin in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Jill Ogai in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Elijah Trevitt in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Elijah Trevitt in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Dimity Azoury and Maxim Zenin in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Elijah Trevitt in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Dimity Azoury and Maxim Zenin in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Sharni Spencer and Jarryd Madden in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Dimity Azoury and Maxim Zenin in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Dimity Azoury and Maxim Zenin in rehearsal for Copland Dance Episodes (Peck) Photo Kate Longley
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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Terms and Conditions*
Melbourne Special Offer: $72 Tickets*
- A or B Reserve ticket purchases only.
- Use code CDESALE to access.
- Only applicable for performances on Wednesday 24 June 7:30pm, Thursday 25 June 7:30pm or Friday 26 June 7:30pm
- Only applicable to adult tickets, no additional concessions can be applied.
- Offer subject to availability, until 24 June or until allocation exhausted.
- Offer does not retroactively apply to already purchased tickets.
Season 2026
