Christchurch Teen Tamison Soppet Selected for Ballet’s Prix de Lausanne

A 15-year-old from Christchurch, Tamison Soppet, has made headlines after being selected as a candidate for Switzerland’s esteemed Prix de Lausanne, often referred to as the “ballet Olympics.” The announcement, delivered by her mother during a ballet class in Paris, left Tamison overwhelmed with joy. “Mum told me and I just jumped in excitement… It was such a dream,” she expressed.

Tamison stands out as the only dancer from New Zealand and one of just two from Australasia chosen to participate in the upcoming competition, scheduled for February 1 to 8, 2026. To secure her place, she submitted a 15-minute video audition showcasing her skills in barre, centre, and pointe work, along with a contemporary dance piece. The selection jury, comprised of nine dance professionals, reviewed submissions from 444 dancers across 43 countries, ultimately selecting 81 to compete.

Despite the competitive nature of the event, Tamison remains optimistic about the experience. “It’s going to be pretty tough but I’m just going to go there and enjoy myself and do my best,” she said. With a rigorous training schedule at Convergence Dance Studios, Tamison balances her passion for dance with her studies at the correspondence school Te Kura. Her mother, Toni Soppet, highlights Tamison’s dedication, noting, “She’s very determined. She’s literally up at 7 a.m., into the studio by 8 a.m., and she’s training all day.”

Tamison’s journey began long before she donned her first pair of ballet shoes. Toni recalls her daughter dancing whenever music was playing, describing her as “flying around with butterfly wings and cuteness.” The years of hard work culminated in a significant achievement when Tamison won the junior women’s title at the Youth America Grand Prix in New York last year, further establishing her as one of the most promising young talents in ballet.

Under the guidance of artistic director Olivia Russell, Tamison has been training at Convergence since the age of 10. Russell emphasized the importance of the Prix de Lausanne as a launching pad for budding dancers. “It’s an exceptional platform for dancers to launch their careers… to be seen by international directors,” she stated. The competition’s structure assesses dancers on their classical and contemporary skills, making it a comprehensive evaluation of their versatility.

In addition to the competition, a networking forum will allow participants who do not advance to the finals another opportunity to connect with prestigious ballet schools and companies. Russell noted Tamison’s natural talent, stating, “She has exceptional turn-out and exceptional leg line and feet… Her natural sense of line is quite innate.”

The financial implications of pursuing such an elite level of training are significant. To assist with costs associated with pointe shoes, costumes, private coaching, and international travel, the Soppet family has set up a Givealittle page for contributions.

Tamison’s next performance will be as Cinderella in Convergence Dance Studios’ end-of-year production on December 7. With aspirations of joining either the Royal Ballet in London or the Paris Opera Ballet, Tamison’s passion for dance remains a driving force. “I love it so much… I just love coming to the studio and getting to express my feelings through dance,” she said, conveying her commitment to her art.

The Prix de Lausanne 2026 is poised to be a significant milestone in Tamison’s burgeoning career, offering an opportunity to showcase her talent on an international stage.