Cinderella leaps back to life after 47 years

The Australian Ballet's 2027 season brings back a beloved classic.

Told by Paige Turner · 1 September 2026

The Australian Ballet is diving into its rich history with a major announcement for its 2027 season: Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella will grace the stage once again after a staggering 47-year absence. Artistic director David Hallberg expressed his vision to resurrect works that have left a lasting impact on the company, stating, "Cinderella is one of the great classics of the balletic repertoire. The score is unbelievably rich. And choreographically, I think Ashton’s version is very true to the story."

But Hallberg isn’t just dusting off the old classics. He’s adamant about not letting these beloved performances become mere museum pieces. "Swan Lake needs to be assessed for today’s audiences," he remarked, hinting at tweaks in set and costume design to keep the narratives fresh and relevant.

In addition to Cinderella, the 2027 lineup includes Kunstkamer, a modern ballet that traverses genres from Janis Joplin to Beethoven. This piece, which debuted with acclaim, is making a return to satisfy audience demand. Hallberg noted that live performance is ephemeral, and he’s committed to listening to the tastes of the audience.

Also making waves is the upcoming Australian debut of Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling, which tells the tragic true story of Austria’s Crown Prince Rudolf. The season promises a bold repertoire that showcases the company’s artistic ambitions, with performances in Adelaide featuring live music from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

As the Australian Ballet prepares to return to the newly refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre, Hallberg is optimistic about the future. The ballet’s past financial struggles have made headlines, but with a lineup this compelling, they’re hopeful about attracting audiences eager for vibrant live performances. "Season '27 is finally a season that we can spread ourselves at full capacity – at full flight," Hallberg concluded, hinting at the potential for a thrilling revival of interest in ballet.