Each year, the Prix de Lausanne offers a rare convergence of talent, mentorship and possibility. In 2026, Australian, Australian trained and New Zealand dancers will be present both as selected candidates and as participants in the Partner Schools Choreographic Project, carrying with them the depth of their training and the ambitions that shape the next chapter of their journeys. Below, we are thrilled to introduce the cohort of exceptional dancers representing our region this year.
Selected Candidates
For the 2026 edition, a nine-member international jury panel convened in Lausanne to assess all video submissions. From 444 applicants representing 43 countries, 73 dancers were selected through the video process, with a further eight candidates preselected. In total, 79 dancers from 18 countries were invited to participate this year.
Jessica Cooper
Sixteen-year-old Jessica Cooper is an aspiring ballet dancer training full-time at Classical Coaching Australia. She began ballet at the age of three and has developed into a focused and expressive artist. Jessica was selected as a Prix de Lausanne candidate in both 2025 and 2026. Her international achievements include 1st Place Junior Contemporary and Top 12 Junior Classical at YAGP Paris 2023, leading to an invitation to the YAGP New York Finals 2024. In 2025, she again placed Top 12 in Classical Ballet at YAGP Paris, earning an invitation to the YAGP Finals 2026 in Houston. In Australia, Jessica received the Terri Charlesworth Artistry Award at the 2025 Sydney Eisteddfod, alongside a $5,000 training grant, and has performed leading roles with Brisbane City Youth Ballet, most recently Cinderella.
“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to attend the Prix for the second time and I look forward to spending the week with so many inspiring likeminded people. After experiencing the Prix last year, I feel a lot more prepared and calmer going into this week and I'm looking forward to enjoying this experience!”
Nina Penny
Nina Penny began ballet training at the age of four, initially encouraged by her mother to improve her posture. She began to pursue ballet more seriously from the age of ten and now looks toward a future performing on stage with a company and engaging with a wide range of choreographers. Preparing for the Prix de Lausanne has been a long-held goal for Nina, shaped by years of watching the competition and imagining herself on its stage.
“I think personally I put a lot of pressure on myself towards preparing for the Prix de Lausanne. What helped rewire my focus is understanding that although important, Prix de Lausanne is created to be a stepping stone towards a much bigger picture. And that perfection isn’t what they’re looking for.
Taking part in this competition has been a big dream of mine. Watching the live streams every year really solidified this goal that one day I would like to be on that stage. For that to come true is such a privilege and I cannot thank everyone who supported me enough.”
Tamison Soppet
Tamison Soppet is a committed young ballet dancer with a strong passion for classical technique and artistic expression. Known for her musicality, work ethic and thoughtful approach to training, she brings clarity and intention to her movement, with a growing ability to connect technique and storytelling. Tamison approaches the studio with discipline and humility and the stage with confidence and poise, consistently seeking to deepen her understanding of ballet.
“The Prix de Lausanne has always been something I’ve dreamed about, so being part of it means so much to me. I’m excited to learn, grow, and challenge myself as a dancer.”
Partner Schools Choreographic Project
The Partner School Choreographic Project is a choreographic programme running alongside the Prix de Lausanne that offers selected students from Partner Schools the opportunity to travel to Lausanne and take part in the creation and performance of a new work by a renowned choreographer. Over the course of an intensive week, participants collaborate with peers from around the world, engaging in a collective creative process that is both educational and professionally focused. The choreography, developed and staged in just a few days, is performed for audiences during the Prix de Lausanne Finals and the Rising Stars closing event.
Henry Burgess
Henry Burgess is 18 and currently in his graduating year at The Royal Ballet School in London. He previously trained at The McDonald College under the guidance of Jane Kesby. In 2023, Henry was a Prix de Lausanne candidate and the youngest Australian representative that year. In 2026, he returns as part of the Partner Schools Choreographic Project, representing The Royal Ballet School.
“It is absolutely surreal to be back at The Prix De Lausanne representing The Royal Ballet School in the Partnered Schools Choreographic Project. It is a full circle moment for me being a candidate in 2023, with the ambition to make The Royal Ballet School, and now to be representing them three years later is a dream come true.”
Matia Ingrey
Image supplied by the Australian Ballet School
As a child, Matia Ingrey was introduced to golf, though it soon became clear that dance, and ballet in particular, would become the centre of her creative life. She completed her early training at the National College of Dance in Newcastle, where she studied under Brett Morgan and Jake Burden. Throughout her training, Matia has received several scholarships and awards and was recognised as a Young Artist for Bloch Australia. In 2022, she was awarded a scholarship to The Australian Ballet School following the Sydney Eisteddfod. Now in her 2026 graduating year, Matia serves as School Captain and trains under Director Megan Connolly. She has been selected to represent the School in the Partner Schools Choreographic Project at the Prix de Lausanne as she completes her Advanced Graduate Diploma of Dance.
"I am incredibly grateful to the Australian Ballet School for the chance to be part of this immersive choreographic experience in Lausanne. I’m excited for the opportunity to connect with dancers and learn from exceptional teachers globally which will shape me throughout my professional journey.”
Annabel Lowe
Annabel Lowe began her dance journey in Nelson before moving to Christchurch to train at Anneliese Gilberd Academy. She joined the New Zealand School of Dance in 2024 and is set to graduate in December 2026 with a New Zealand Diploma in Dance Performance (Level 7) as a contemporary major. Annabel appeared in the 2025 WOW World of WearableArt show and performed with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in Infra as part of the triple bill Solace. She has also performed extensively with NZSD and AGA.
“The Prix’s Partner School’s Choreographic Project is such an incredible opportunity! It’s an amazing chance to dance on an international stage and work with people from all over the world. I’m so excited and grateful to participate and represent New Zealand School of Dance.”
Zi Sione
Born in Melbourne, Zi Sione began dancing at the age of two at Evolve Performing Arts before continuing her early training at Joanne O’Kelly School of Dance. She discovered a deep connection to ballet around the age of 11 and was later accepted into the Academy of Queensland Ballet’s Level 5 full-time program, graduating in 2025. In 2026, Zi continues her training with Queensland Ballet in the Clark Pre-Professional Program. She takes part in the Partner Schools Choreographic Project as the first Pacific Islander, first Samoan and first Tokelauan dancer to participate in the Prix de Lausanne.
“I will be the first Pacific Islander, first Samoan and first Tokelauan to be apart of the Prix De Lausanne and will be representing not only the Academy of Queensland Ballet but also my culture on the world stage.”
As these dancers arrive in Lausanne, they do so carrying years of training, discipline and persistence, shaped by the schools, teachers and mentors who have guided them to this point and by the families and communities who have supported their ambitions. The Prix de Lausanne offers far more than a moment on stage. Across the week, participants will work closely with an international faculty of teachers, coaches and choreographers, form lasting connections with peers from around the world, and place their artistry before a truly global audience of directors, educators and dance professionals. It is an environment that encourages growth, exchange and perspective, opening doors and broadening horizons well beyond the competition itself. We wish each of these dancers strength, clarity and confidence as they take this important step, and we look forward to following their journeys closely. The Prix de Lausanne will be live streamed throughout the week, allowing audiences at home to share in their progress, their discoveries and their achievements.
This article forms part of Dance Australia’s 2026 Prix de Lausanne coverage, generously supported by our coverage partner, Bloch Australia.
