The Prix is held annually over a one-week period usually in the beginning of the year at the Palais de Beaulieu, in Lausanne. The competition is for young dancers seeking to pursue a professional career in classical ballet. Many former winners are now leading stars with major ballet companies around the world. The competition is organised by the "Fondation en faveur de l'Art chorégraphique" and is maintained by various sponsors and donations.

The Prix de Lausanne was founded by the Swiss industrialist Philippe Braunschweig and his wife Elvire in 1973. Philippe, although not a dancer, became interested in dance. He created the competition after noticing the lack of financial support to young dance students, particularly those from small regional schools, wishing to attend professional level programs. He started by approaching Rosella Hightower who was an American ballerina and Maurice Béjart, a Swiss choreographer and dancer who ran the Béjart Ballet Lausanne. They drew up the rules for the competition. The Braunschweigs announced their resignation at the end of the Prix in 1996. The direction is now held by an executive committee composed of a Swiss Secretary of State and an artistic committee.

What started as a small event has grown into an internationally acclaimed institution that draws candidates from all over the world. Entry is reserved for young dancers, aged 15 to 18, and open to students of all nationalities. They are required to submit a 15–20 min digital file recording a combination of barre and centre-work exercises and pay a registration fee of CHF 120. According to the level they showed on their video, around 80 upon the 300 to 400 candidates are selected to come to Lausanne and compete. They represent around 30 countries, in the hope of being selected for the final and receive a scholarship. During the week in Lausanne, candidates are judged both during a dance class and individually on stage. They must present two variations, one in classical ballet and another one in contemporary. The final of the competition is broadcast live on television.

The aim of the Prix de Lausanne is to facilitate the young dancers to embark upon a professional career by providing them an opportunity to benefit from a year's scholarship. Therefore since 2007 this contest is part of an exchange program with the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix which allows dancers from each competition to benefit from the scholarship opportunities available at both. By combining their scholarship-giving capacities, these two of the most important dance competitions in the world help create a wider network of opportunity for young dancers worldwide. Furthermore it allows them to perform in front of a prestigious jury composed of nine people. Each member of the jury must either have a link with one of the Prix's partner ballet schools or companies or be an ex-winner.

 

If you are not a dancer but you found this article interesting, then tickets are available. It's completely affordable or you can also see the competition on television. This year the competition was held in January but don't worry there is one every single year. So do not miss out on the opportunity to see young and talented dancers on stage determined to win!  

 

The finalists of The Prix de Lausanne 2017

 

Elona W.