Ballet teacher Valerie Murray talks to NZ Herald’s Eva de Jong at Edmund Hillary Retirement Village. Video / Annaleise Shortland
New Zealand dancer Tamison Soppet has been selected to compete at the 2026 Prix de Lausanne, one of the world’s most respected international ballet competitions for rising talent.
The 15-year-old will travel to Switzerland in February to join 80 young dancers from around the globe, each vying for their ticketinto a professional dancing career.
The Prix de Lausanne is renowned for opening doors to emerging dancers, annually drawing artistic directors, choreographers and teachers from leading international schools and companies.
Competitors are often awarded scholarships, training opportunities and industry connections that can help advance their fledgling careers.
The selection is a major step forward for Soppet, having trained at Christchurch’s Convergence Dance Studios.
She told the Herald being the only Kiwi selected makes the achievement “even more special”, noting the honour feels bigger than her own success.
Dancer Tamison Soppet, 15, from Christchurch has been selected to compete in the world-renowned Prix de Lausanne in February. Photo / Inspired Dance Images
“I feel like I’m representing not just myself, but my dance school, my dance teachers, and the wider New Zealand dance community.
“The Prix de Lausanne is such a prestigious platform, so to be recognised at this level feels both surreal and very encouraging.”
Soppet described the Prix de Lausanne as “like the Ballet Olympics” given the international exposure it provides.
“Even just being there gives me access to masterclasses, coaching sessions and visibility that you simply wouldn’t get anywhere else.
“It really is a launching pad for an international career.”
Soppet’s selection follows years of intense training and commitment. She credits her strong support network of family, friends and teachers as key to securing a spot on the stage.
Tamison Soppet will join 80 other dancers in Switzerland for next year's Prix de Lausanne. Photo / Inspired Dance Images
“[There’s been] a huge amount of work behind the scenes – years of training, long hours in the studio and a lot of dedication and discipline.
“It’s not just the physical work either; there’s mental strength, resilience and constant refinement.”
With the competition less than three months away, Soppet is now focused on refining her variation and strengthening her technique to ensure she arrives fully prepared.
“My main goal is to perform at my absolute best and make the most of the experience,” she said.
“I want to grow as an artist, learn from world-class teachers and show who I am as a dancer on an international stage.”
The Prix de Lausanne takes place at the Beaulieu Theatre in Lausanne from February 1-8, 2026.
