Sacha Copland

Sacha Copland is the artistic director of Java Dance Theatre. She founded the company in 2003 after graduating from the New Zealand School of Dance.  Sacha has choreographed prolifically for 19 years, developing Java's distinctly immersive theatrical style in 22 full length dance works, garnering critical acclaim, box office success & international touring.

In 2019-21 Sacha was awarded the CNZ Choreographic Fellowship. She has been commissioned by Dance4 (Nottingham UK), Wellington Orchestra, NZ School of Dance, Capital E National Arts Festival (2007, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019), STAB/BATS. In 2012 Sacha became a Distinguished Graduate award of the NZ School of Dance, a TEDx speaker/performer in 2016 & ASSITEJ International Next Generation Alumni from 2017. Sacha has produced & performed ‘Back of the Bus’ throughout NZ, Australia, the UK & Asia.

As a dancer and actress, Sacha has toured nationally to critical acclaim and made a solo show at the age of 40 in 2022. Sacha is Pākehā (Polish, English, Scottish).