The Prix de Lausanne has announced key details for its 2026 edition, with applications officially opening on 1 September 2025. Considered the most prestigious international competition for young ballet dancers, the Prix continues to offer a vital springboard for emerging talent, with the next event set to take place from 1 to 8 February 2026 at the Beaulieu Theatre in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Open to dancers of all nationalities born between 8 February 2007 and 7 February 2011, the competition accepts digital auditions from 1 to 30 September 2025. Medical documentation must also be submitted during this window. Successful applicants will be notified by 30 October and will then proceed to the final stage of registration for the 2026 competition.
The announcement follows the Summer Intensive – European and International Preselection, taking place this week in Lausanne. From 7 to 12 July, 59 young dancers from 20 countries are participating in an intensive training program led by a faculty of internationally renowned instructors, including Cynthia Harvey, Nicolas Le Riche, Clairemarie Osta and Didy Veldman. This week-long program culminates in the selection of up to four candidates who will be granted direct entry into the 2026 Prix.
For the first time, the Summer Intensive is being held on the stage of the Beaulieu Theatre, the historic home of the Prix de Lausanne. The final day of the preselection, Saturday 12 July, will include an Open House, inviting the public to witness these young dancers in action.
The Prix de Lausanne is widely recognised not only for its competition but also for its year-round commitment to nurturing dance talent. Through training programs, masterclasses, and a global network of partner schools and companies, it continues to shape the future of ballet.
In 2025, the Prix saw an impressive contingent of 8 young Australians take part in the main competition. As applications open for 2026, aspiring Australian dancers once again have the opportunity to take their place on the international stage.
More information, including full application guidelines, can be found at www.prixdelausanne.org.