Prix de Lausanne 2025: Celebrating the Next Generation of Ballet Talent
The Prix de Lausanne 2025 concluded on 8 February 2025 at the Beaulieu Theatre in Lausanne, Switzerland, with a dazzling showcase of young talent from around the globe. After a week of intense competition, nine exceptional dancers were awarded scholarships to study at prestigious partner schools or join renowned companies, marking a pivotal moment in their budding careers.
This year’s competition brought together 85 candidates from 20 countries, with 20 finalists competing in the finals before a packed audience and thousands of viewers worldwide via live stream. The jury, chaired by Laurent Hilaire, faced the challenging task of selecting the winners, whose performances demonstrated both technical mastery and artistic expression.
The nine Prize Winners of the Prix de Lausanne 2025:
1st Scholarship – Fondation Caris – 214, PARK YounJae – South Korea
2nd Scholarship – Bourse Jeune Espoir – 208, POOR Eric – United States
3rd Scholarship – Oak Foundation – 423, YASUUMI Shinnosuke – Japan
4th Scholarship – Fondation Maurice Béjart – 314 WANG Hanxi – P.R. China
5th Scholarship – Bourse Jeune Étoile – 418, JAIN Hector – United States
6th Scholarship – Fondation Coromandel – 424, HANDA Ryan – United States
7th Scholarship – Bourse Astarte – 102, HAMASAKI Hono – Japan
8th Scholarship – Fondation Anita et Werner Damm-Etienne – 302, KIM Bogyeong – South Korea
9th Scholarship – Aud Jebsen Scholarship – 408, WHEWAY HUGHES Jakob – United Kingdom
The following prizes have been awarded:
Best Young Talent Award: 214 – PARK YounJae – South Korea
Offered by Rudolph Nureyev Foundation
Beaulieu Award: 423 – YASUUMI Shinnosuke – Japan
Offered by Beaulieu SA
Contemporary Dance Award: 408 – WHEWAY HUGHES Jakob – United Kingdom
Offered by Minerva Kunststiftung
Web Audience Favourite Award: 408 – WHEWAY HUGHES Jakob – United Kingdom
Supported by ARTE Concert and la Fondation en faveur de l’Art Chorégraphique
Audience Favourite Award: 423 – YASUUMI Shinnosuke – Japan
Supported by ARTE Concert and la Fondation en faveur de l’Art Chorégraphiqu
Finalists who did not receive a prize were awarded the Finalist Award, a cash prize of CHF 1,000, generously provided by Bobst SA.
Finals Interlude: A Tribute to Excellence
During the jury’s deliberations, the audience enjoyed a captivating interlude featuring performances by guest stars Margarita Fernandes and Antònio Casalinho, who delivered two exquisite pas de deux. The interlude also highlighted the Prix de Lausanne’s ongoing choreographic and educational initiatives.
The event reached a poignant climax with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 to Li Cunxin AO. Born into poverty in China during the Mao regime, Li rose to become one of the world’s most celebrated dancers, his journey immortalized in the memoir Mao’s Last Dancer. His story of resilience and dedication continues to inspire dancers worldwide, and the Prix de Lausanne was honored to recognise his extraordinary contributions to ballet.
Networking Forum: Building Bridges for the Future
On Sunday, 9 February 2025, the Networking Forum provided an invaluable opportunity for all candidates to meet directors from partner schools and companies. This event underscores the Prix de Lausanne’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities and supporting young dancers in their career development.
A Global Celebration of Dance
This year’s competition reached a global audience, with over 547,760 viewers tuning in to watch the daily sessions and finals via ARTE Concert, YouTube, Facebook, and the Prix de Lausanne website. The live streaming brought the excitement of the competition to ballet enthusiasts around the world.
Stay tuned for reports from Australian candidates and guests.
Watch the finals and the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Li Cunxin AO below: