World Ballet Day 2026
29 OCT 2026
Join the Royal New Zealand Ballet in the studio for World Ballet Day 2026, as our dancers rehearse The Sleeping Beauty ahead of opening night in Wellington.
World Ballet Day returns on Thursday 29 October, and this year’s theme, How Stories Are Made, celebrates the stories behind the art form of ballet. Companies around the world will share rehearsals, conversations and behind-the-scenes moments, and we are delighted to be part of the celebration.
Our live stream takes you inside the studio with our dancers as they rehearse in the lead-up to opening night of The Sleeping Beauty, with an introduction by Artistic Director Ty King-Wall and choreographer Greg Horsman, who will set the scene for this special behind-the-scenes look into ballet preparation. Enjoy rehearsal of an excerpt from Act I Scene IV, Aurora’s sixteenth birthday party.
Whether you have loved ballet for decades or simply enjoy a good story, this is a chance to see the craft up close, from wherever you are, around the world.
See The Sleeping Beauty on stage from 29 October, touring nationally until 20 December – click here for more information.
Click here for more information on World Ballet Day events and participating companies.
WellingtonRNZB Studios, St James Theatre
Behind the scenes
Watch It Again: RNZB World Ballet Day 2026
Creative Credits
Artistic Director
Ty King-Wall
Choreography
Greg Horsman
Music
Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Company Pianist
Dr Noelle Dannenbring
Set & Costume Design
Gary Harris
Aurora
Mayu Tanigaito
Lilac Fairy
Ana Gallardo Lobaina
Carabosse
Kirby Selchow
King
Jun Samblaceno*
Queen
Jemima Scott
Catalabutte
Kohei Iwamoto*
Lady Florine
Gretchen Steimle
Russian Prince
Josh Guillemot-Rodgerson
Chinese Prince
Kihiro Kusukami
Indian Prince
Zacharie Dun
Persian Prince
Branden Reiners
Lead Gardeners
Catarina Estevez Collins & Dane Head
*Guest character artists
Click below to view the full cast list for this rehearsal & our opening night performance.