Dance and Performing Arts

Enjoy stunning dance and performing arts performances in Sydney. From ballet and contemporary dance to opera and Aboriginal dance theatre, the exciting events calendar is full of outstanding productions from both local and touring companies.

What’s on in Sydney this Summer

• The Australian Ballet Presents Volt at Sydney Opera House
• Spirit of the Dance at The State Theatre
• Sydney Dance Company – Bonachela / Forsythe at Roslyn Packer Theatre
• Shen Yu at the Capitol Theatre
• Sleeping Beauty - Moscow Ballet La Classique at The State Theatre

Dance in Sydney

The beautiful harbour city is home to some of Australia's leading dance companies, including Sydney Dance Company, The Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre, the internationally acclaimed indigenous contemporary dance troupe.

The Australian Ballet puts on a number of productions each year at the Sydney Opera House. The company is considered one of the best in the world and the 2020 season will see performances of Volt, Anna Karenina and The Happy Prince – a new work by Australian dance legend Graeme Murphy.

The Sydney Dance Company is one of Australia's most innovative performance companies. Artistic director Rafael Bonachela leads the contemporary dance troupe, who is currently based in Ultimo while their home at Walsh Bay is undergoing renovations.

Bangarra Dance Theatre has also relocated during the renovation. The company is Australia's leading First Nations performing arts company, drawing on more than 40,000 years of culture, embodied in contemporary movement.

Opera in Sydney

There’s no better way to enjoy Sydney Opera House, than by experiencing an opera inside the sails. Opera Australia, the resident opera company presents an extensive season of works each year, with 2020 offering performances of La Bohème, Carmen and Aida.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour takes place each autumn. In 2020 Opera Australia will perform  La Traviata, the story that inspired Moulin Rouge, on a magnificent floating stage over the harbour. Arrive early to enjoy drinks or dinner at one of the pop-up bars and restaurants on-site.

Touring Productions

A variety of touring productions visit the city’s beautiful theatres and venues throughout the year. The heritage-listed State Theatre, will host the award-winning Spirit of the Dance in April, and Shen Yu returns to the Capitol Theatre as part of its global tour in March.