Christchurch Teen Tamison Soppet Selected for Prestigious Ballet Prix de Lausanne

Christchurch teenager Tamison Soppet has been selected to compete in the renowned Prix de Lausanne, often dubbed the “ballet Olympics.” The 15-year-old dancer received the news while preparing for a ballet class in Paris, eliciting an ecstatic reaction as she learned she is the only New Zealander among just two dancers from Australasia to secure a place at this prestigious event, scheduled for February 1-8, 2026, in Switzerland.

Tamison’s excitement was palpable when her mother, Toni Soppet, delivered the news. “Mum told me and I just jumped in excitement. It was such a dream,” she recalled. The selection process was rigorous, requiring a 15-minute video audition that showcased her skills in barre, centre, pointe work, and contemporary dance. A jury of nine industry professionals assessed submissions from 444 dancers across 43 countries, ultimately selecting only 81 for the upcoming competition.

Despite the challenge of competing against top talents, Tamison expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “It’s going to be pretty tough, but I’m just going to enjoy myself and do my best,” she said. Her determination and passion for dance have been evident from a young age, as her mother described her childhood filled with spontaneous performances throughout their home.

Dedication and Hard Work Fueling Tamison’s Journey

Tamison’s path to the Prix de Lausanne has been marked by discipline and commitment. She trains at Convergence Dance Studios four days a week while managing her studies through the correspondence school Te Kura. “She’s very determined. She works really hard. She’s not a typical teenager,” Toni noted, emphasizing the sacrifices Tamison makes to pursue her passion.

Tamison’s achievements, including winning the junior women’s title at the Youth America Grand Prix last year, affirm her status as a rising star in the ballet world. Under the guidance of Olivia Russell, the artistic director at Convergence, she has honed her skills and earned high distinctions in both RAD and NZAMD exams. Russell highlighted the significance of the Prix de Lausanne as a platform for dancers to connect with elite ballet schools and companies.

“The Prix de Lausanne is an exceptional opportunity for dancers to launch their careers,” Russell explained. “It’s very deserving. I feel like it’s the perfect step for her to move forward in her career.” The competition evaluates dancers on multiple aspects, ensuring a holistic assessment of their abilities.

Community Support and Future Aspirations

Tamison’s pursuit of excellence in ballet comes with substantial financial costs. To support her journey, the Soppet family has established a Givealittle page to assist with expenses related to pointe shoes, custom-made costumes, coaching, and travel.

She is set to perform as Cinderella in her dance studio’s end-of-year production on December 7, 2023, a milestone that showcases her dedication and talent. Looking ahead, Tamison dreams of joining prestigious companies such as the Royal Ballet in London or the Paris Opera Ballet, aspiring to become a principal dancer.

“I just love coming to the studio and expressing my feelings through dance,” she shared. “I try to put everything I’ve worked on in the studio and rehearsals all on stage at the same time and make it my best.” As she prepares for the Prix de Lausanne, Tamison Soppet represents not only her personal aspirations but also the potential of young dancers globally, ready to make their mark on the international stage.