The Australian Ballet: Classic tales, new shows and favourites shown in 2025 ballet season

The Australian Ballet have announced their 2025 season, with a mixture of classic fairy tales and contemporary shows set to be showcased.

Those who enjoy the elegance and drama of ballet are in for a treat, as the Australian Ballet unveils its 2025 season.

The season will launch with chief choreographer of Hamburg Ballet, John Neumeier’s Nijinsky at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne (February 21 – March 1), before making its way to the Sydney Opera House (April 4 – April 22) stage.

The story of Nijinsky was inspired by Polish/Russian dancer and choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky, in a moving tribute to the late dancer.

Lead dancers Leanne Stojmenov and Cristiano Martino will star as Aurora and as the Prince in The Sleeping Beauty. Picture: David Caird

After a successful season overseas in Spain, acclaimed choreographer Johan Inger’s Carmen will be showing in Melbourne (March 1- March 18) and Canberra (June 20 – June 25), entertaining audiences with its tale of betrayal and obsession.

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s highly coveted ballets, Manon is set to take the stage in Sydney (April 30 – May 17) and Melbourne (October 10 – October 22).

Set in high society of 18th century Paris and the backstreets of New Orleans, Manon spins the tale of a young woman who rose from peasant origins and is seduced by wealth and power.

Adelaide and Brisbane will get some ballet love, with the timeless tale of The Sleeping Beauty set to appear in those states in July for Adelaide (22 —29) and August for Brisbane (16 —23).

The Sleeping Beauty will close out the 2025 ballet season. Picture: David Caird

The 2025 season will end in Sydney (November 21 – 17 December) with The Sleeping Beauty whisking audiences away into the magical world of fairies, curses, spells and romance.

The Australian Ballet’s artistic director, David Hallberg is excited for audiences to enjoy the 2025 line up.

“I wanted our 2025 season to show our audiences the power of storytelling and the beauty of movement,” Mr Hallberg said.

“These curated programs demonstrate some of the greatest ballets, balanced by our continued commitment to create new work. I am immensely proud to present Season 2025, which will guide audiences through the intimate and profound emotional expression seen on stage.”