Christchurch Teen Selected for Coveted Prix de Lausanne Ballet Competition

A remarkable achievement has been celebrated by Christchurch’s own Tamison Soppet, who has been selected to participate in the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, often referred to as the “ballet Olympics.” The 15-year-old dancer is the sole representative from New Zealand and one of only two dancers from Australasia chosen for this elite competition, which will take place from February 1 to 8, 2026, at the Beaulieu Theatre in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Tamison’s journey to this international stage began long before she donned her first pair of ballet shoes. Her mother, Toni Soppet, recalls a childhood filled with dance, where Tamison would express her passion in the living room and down hallways. “From the moment she could walk, she was dancing,” Toni said. This lifelong commitment has demanded discipline and resilience, qualities that Tamison has displayed throughout her training.

To secure her place in the competition, Tamison submitted a 15-minute video audition showcasing her skills in barre, centre, and pointe work, along with a contemporary dance piece. A jury comprised of nine dance professionals selected her from a pool of 444 dancers from 43 countries, ultimately choosing just 81 participants for the competition.

While aware of the intense competition, Tamison expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “It’s going to be pretty tough, but I’m just going to go there and enjoy myself and do my best,” she stated. She is eager to showcase her talents on a global stage and hopes the experience will open doors to further opportunities.

Tamison’s training regime is rigorous, involving classes at Convergence Dance Studios four days a week, alongside her studies through the correspondence school, Te Kura. “She’s not a typical teenager,” her mother noted, emphasizing Tamison’s dedication to her craft. Early mornings and late nights of practice have become the norm, with Tamison balancing her educational commitments while pursuing her passion for dance.

In 2023, Tamison achieved significant recognition by winning the junior women’s title at the Youth America Grand Prix in New York at the age of 14. Her accolades also include high distinctions in examinations from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and New Zealand Association of Modern Dance (NZAMD), as well as scholarships from prestigious institutions. She is currently part of The Royal Ballet School’s international scholars programme.

Olivia Russell, artistic director at Convergence, highlighted the importance of the Prix de Lausanne for aspiring dancers. “It is an exceptional platform for dancers to launch their careers. The competition is well-rounded and emphasizes versatility,” she explained. The jury evaluates participants on a scale of 100, considering both classical and contemporary styles.

The competition is not solely about performance; it also offers a networking forum for candidates who do not advance to the finals, allowing them to connect with international schools and companies that may provide further training or job opportunities.

Russell expressed her excitement for Tamison’s selection, describing her as having “exceptional turn-out and leg line.” She praised Tamison’s innate sense of aesthetics, stating, “Her dancing leaves lasting images in the minds of those who watch her.”

The Soppet family is aware of the financial implications of Tamison’s dance journey, prompting them to establish a Givealittle page to help cover costs related to pointe shoes, costumes, coaching, and international travel.

As she prepares for the Prix de Lausanne, Tamison will next perform as Cinderella in Convergence Dance Studios’ end-of-year production on December 7. With aspirations to join The Royal Ballet in London or the Paris Opera Ballet as a principal dancer, she remains focused on her passion. “Even on hard days, dance brings me joy,” she reflected. “I love expressing my feelings through movement and strive to give my best in every performance.”

Tamison Soppet’s dedication to her craft and her selection for such a prestigious competition mark a significant milestone in her promising ballet career.