Queensland Ballet's young artists to perform at Prix de Lausanne

Six young dancers will begin the New Year with a performance at one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions.

Queensland Ballet’s Jette Parker Young Artists have been invited to dance at the Prix de Lausanne, the international ballet competition which has been held annually in Switzerland since 1973. This year's event runs from February 1 to 8.

The Young Artists will perform in the 2015 Prix de Lausanne’s “Spectacle de L’Entracte” – the interlude between the finalists’ contemporary solos and the jury’s decision. They will be presenting Glass Concerto, Greg Horsman’s 20-minute neo-classical piece choreographed for the occasion.

This invitation to perform at the competition is a continuation of a program initiated two years ago with Houston Ballet 2.

Amanda Bennett, artistic director of the Prix de Lausanne, makes the point that these junior companies are interesting to present as they are an important step between schools and professional companies.

The Jette Parker Young Artist program, named in honour of Oak Foundation’s Jette Parker, was launched in 2014 to foster talented young dancers from around the world by giving them the opportunity to work with Queensland Ballet and to benefit from elite mentoring.

Queensland’s representation at the 43rd Prix de Lausanne does not stop there. Choreographer Louise Deleur of Lucent Dance Theatre has been chosen as one of three choreographers for the contemporary variations. Her two solos, Touch, Feel, Sense and Out of Breath sit alongside solos by Nürnburg Director Goyo Montero and Ballett Basel Director Richard Wherlock.

Coming full circle, Neneka Yoshida, a 2013 Prix de Lausanne finalist and current Jette Parker Young Artist, is featured on the recording of the female solo, Touch, Feel, Sense.

Seven Australians have been chosen to compete in the 2015 Prix de Lausanne. For more on these talented young dancers and where they are from, read further here.


- EMMA SANDALL