The world of ballet held its breath as the 2025 Prix de Lausanne unfolded at the Beaulieu Theatre and Congress Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland. From February 2nd to 9th, the stage was illuminated by the dreams of young dancers vying for a chance to etch their names in ballet history. But the audience wasn't confined to the theatre walls. Thanks to a worldwide streaming platform, the artistry and sheer talent on display reached over 547,760 viewers across the globe. Countless Facebook groups buzzed with commentary, online chats overflowed with support, and candidates felt the encouragement pouring in from every corner of the world. Amidst this global gathering of talent, Australia proudly presented eight exceptional candidates, each a testament to the country’s flourishing dance scene.
This year’s Australian contingent showcased a diverse range of talent, with dancers hailing from across the nation. Xavier Xué Barriga (Queensland Ballet Academy), Yve-Noelle Bollinger (Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy), Jessica Cooper (Classical Coaching Australia), Rebecca Lopes (Australian Ballet School), Samuel Lance (Zurich Dance Academy), Bianca Rowley (Venus Villa Dance Academy), Tahlia Szumowski (Queensland College of Dance), and Oscar Taggart (Alegria Dance Studios) all stepped onto the world stage, embodying the hopes and aspirations of a nation.
The Prix de Lausanne, a crucible of talent and a springboard for future stars, attracts the best young dancers from around the globe. The competition offers not just a platform to showcase technical prowess, but also invaluable opportunities for learning and networking. For these young Australians, the experience was transformative.
Bianca Rowley shared her enthusiasm: "Prix de Lausanne was an amazing and eye-opening experience…I had the wonderful chance to learn from world-famous ballet teachers [and] interact with other contestants who shared the same love of ballet. This will be an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life." This sentiment of camaraderie and shared passion resonated throughout the Australian team. Xavier Xué, competitor number 410, described the experience as “life-changing,” emphasizing the “invaluable” conversations with renowned artistic staff and the enduring friendships forged. He spoke eloquently of the lessons learned, not just in dance technique, but in life: “I’ve learned the importance of networking, staying true to who you are as a person, and maintaining integrity above all else, while always acting with humility.” Even without reaching the finals, Xavier’s words echoed a sense of accomplishment, highlighting the personal growth and self-discovery that the Prix de Lausanne fosters. "Even though I didn’t make it to the finals, the personal growth, friendships, and invaluable lessons I’ve gained from this experience make me feel like I’ve already succeeded."
Rebecca Lopes captured the intensity of the lead-up to the competition, acknowledging "[it] was intense, the training, the pressure and the expectations, however when I arrived these feelings were replaced with excitement. Throughout the week getting to work with such well renowned teachers and choreographers was truely inspiring and made performing during the selections even more rewarding." She highlighted the inspiring experience of working with renowned teachers and choreographers, and the special bond formed with fellow competitors: “One of my highlights was right before I went onstage, all of the new friends I had made from around the world wishing me good-luck, it’s moments like these that show how special the Prix de Lausanne really is.”
For Tahlia Szumowski, the week was a whirlwind of “opportunities, challenges, and immense growth.” She expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating "Working with world-renowned teachers and meeting some of my biggest idols in the ballet world has been an unforgettable experience. Through the Prix, I’ve not only deepened my understanding and love of ballet but also learned so much about myself. This journey has made me a stronger dancer, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve gained along the way." Sam Lance echoed this sentiment, thanking the Prix de Lausanne and his school for the opportunity. He found the experience “amazing – taking daily classes, and coaching sessions to prepare for the performances, gain insightful feedback and apply it to my daily practice.” He also recognised the value of the networking forum offered to the candidates: “The networking forum was an excellent opportunity to speak to company representatives from around the world and learn more on their repertoire and future directions.”
Oscar Taggart succinctly summed up his experience: "I had a wonderful week at the Prix de Lausanne, I learnt so much and not only grew as a dancer but grew as a person too. The opportunity to have input from some of the top schools and teachers around the world was incredibly special and I encourage young dancers to follow their dreams and enter into the Prix de Lausanne!"
Daniel Gaudiello, former principal artist with the Australian Ballet, was present to support his student and observe the competition. He offered a professional perspective: "On the whole, the Prix de Lausanne 2025 was an experience not to be missed by any Ballet lover. There were highs and lows as with all competitions some rose to the challenge and some let the nerves get the better of them." He noted the strengths and weaknesses of the competitors, praising the technical skills and artistry of the female dancers, but suggesting a need for more "bravery." He was particularly impressed by the male dancers, especially South Korean candidate YounJae Park and UK candidate Jacob Wheway Hughes, whose contemporary piece "Groovin" was a crowd-pleaser. Gaudiello was full of praise for the Australian contingent: "The Australian candidates in the competition did us all proud and danced with the technique and beauty for which we all know Australian training is renowned. But also the sensitivity and the attention to the details within the artistry required of the ballets they performed were all on display. One should be very proud of our country and its dancers." He concluded by emphasising the importance of the Prix de Lausanne in providing opportunities for Australian dancers to forge international careers. "Once again, it was lovely to see Australia well represented on the international stage, and the Prix de Lausanne provides fantastic opportunities for our dancers to pursue international careers. Bravo!"
The 2025 Prix de Lausanne may have concluded, but the journey has just begun for these eight talented Australians. Their participation has not only showcased their individual dedication and skill, but also highlighted the strength and vibrancy of Australian dance training. They have returned home with invaluable experiences, new friendships, and a renewed passion for their art, ready to take the next steps in their promising careers.