Australia Shines: Rising Stars On Their Way To The 2025 Prix de Lausanne

Prix de Lausanne, one of the world’s premiere ballet competitions, is set to impress audiences from February 2 to 9 at the Beaulieu Theatre and Congress Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland. This year, Australia proudly celebrates the selection of eight exceptional candidates who will represent the country on this global stage.

The Australian contingent includes Xavier Xue Barriga (Queensland Ballet Academy, QLD), Yve-Noelle Bollinger (Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy, QLD), Jessica Cooper (Classical Coaching Australia, QLD), Rebecca Lopes (Australian Ballet School, VIC), Samuel Lance (Zurich Dance Academy, CHE), Bianca Rowley (Venus Villa Dance Academy, HK), Tahlia Szumowski (Queensland College of Dance, QLD), and Oscar Taggart (Alegria Dance Studios, NSW). 

The Prix de Lausanne annually attracts top young talent from around the globe, providing them with the opportunity to vie for coveted scholarships and career-launching accolades. Australia has a rich history of success at the competition, with previous prize winners including Jenson Blight (2024), Calvin Richardson (2012), Stephen McRae (2003), Olivia Bell (1994), Lucinda Dunn (1989), and Leanne Benjamin (1981), who now serves as a jury member.

This year’s esteemed jury is chaired by Laurent Hilaire, Director of Bayerisches Staatsballett and former Étoile of the Paris Opera Ballet. Joining him are Vice President Paola Cantalupo, Artistic and Pedagogical Director of Pôle National Supérieur de Danse Rosella Hightower and Gold Medalist of the Prix de Lausanne 1977, and an exceptional panel of dance luminaries: Leanne Benjamin (former Principal of The Royal Ballet and prize winner, 1981), Skylar Campbell (Principal Dancer, Houston Ballet and finalist, 2009), Frédéric Olivieri (Director of La Scala Academy Ballet School and prize winner, 1977), Laetitia Pujol (Étoile of the Paris Opera Ballet and prize winner, 1992), Viengsay Valdés (Prima Ballerina and General Director of the National Ballet of Cuba), Wim Vanlessen (Artistic Director of Time To Dance and prize winner, 1993), and Joy Womack (Artistic Director of the Joy Womack Ballet Foundation and former Principal of the Kremlin Ballet Theatre).

With a total of 86 candidates from around the world, the competition promises to be a week of extraordinary talent, dedication, and artistry. For the Australian dancers, it’s an opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills and a chance to make their mark on ballet’s global stage.

15 year old Oscar Taggart is eagerly anticipating the journey ahead, "I am so excited and honoured that I am able to participate at the Prix de Lausanne 2025. These past few weeks have been hard but rewarding while I train with my teachers Hilary and Archie. The build up to this special event has been so exciting for me and I can’t wait to share my experience with everyone when I come back!"

There will be up to 8 hours of daily live streaming, free to watch, in partnership with ARTE Concert. The entire competition, including the Selection rounds and the Finals, will be broadcast on the PdL website, and social media channels,