Christchurch Teen Excels as Candidate for Prix de Lausanne

A 15-year-old dancer from Christchurch, New Zealand, has been selected as a candidate for the esteemed Prix de Lausanne, an event often referred to as the “ballet Olympics.” Tamison Soppet, the only New Zealander among 81 participants chosen from 444 dancers worldwide, expressed her joy upon receiving the news, saying, “I just jumped in excitement. It was such a dream.”

The competition will take place from February 1 to 8, 2026, at the Beaulieu Theatre in Lausanne, Switzerland. Tamison’s selection underscores her talent and determination, as she is one of only two dancers from Australasia to be accepted into this prestigious event.

Path to the Prix de Lausanne

To earn her spot, Tamison submitted a 15-minute video audition, showcasing her skills through barre, centre, and pointe work, along with a contemporary dance. The jury, comprised of nine dance professionals, evaluated submissions from 43 countries before narrowing it down to just 81 participants.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to perform on the world stage,” Tamison shared. “It’s going to be pretty tough, but I’m just going to enjoy myself and do my best.” She acknowledges the challenge of competing against the “best of the best” but remains focused on showcasing her love for dance.

Tamison’s journey began long before her audition. Her mother, Toni Soppet, recalls her daughter’s early passion for dance, saying, “She danced from the time she could walk, flying around with butterfly wings and cuteness.” This childhood joy has transformed into a career path requiring immense discipline and dedication.

Dedication and Accomplishments

Training at Convergence Dance Studios four days a week, Tamison balances her rigorous schedule with studies at Te Kura, a correspondence school. “She’s very determined. She works really hard,” Toni noted, adding that Tamison often begins her day at 7 a.m. and trains until the evening.

Tamison’s talent has not gone unnoticed. Last year, she won the junior women’s title at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix in New York at just 14 years old. Her accolades include high distinctions in RAD and NZAMD exams, gold medals, scholarships from leading institutions, and a place in The Royal Ballet School’s international scholars program.

Olivia Russell, the artistic director at Convergence, emphasized the significance of the Prix de Lausanne for dancers. “It’s an exceptional platform for dancers to launch their careers,” she said. The competition allows for networking opportunities, giving candidates a chance to connect with international schools and companies.

The selection process itself is rigorous, with dancers being assessed out of 100 points across various categories, including both classical and contemporary performances. Russell described the emphasis on versatility, stating, “It’s not just a ballet competition; everything is looked at.”

Tamison’s natural talent shines through, with Russell noting, “She has exceptional turn-out and leg line. The shapes she creates while dancing leave lasting images for viewers.”

Community Support and Future Aspirations

The financial demands of pursuing a career in ballet are significant, prompting the Soppet family to set up a Givealittle page to support Tamison’s expenses, including pointe shoes, costumes, and travel.

Tamison is set to perform as Cinderella in Convergence Dance Studios’ upcoming end-of-year production on December 7. Her aspirations extend to joining elite companies like The Royal Ballet in London or the Paris Opera Ballet as a principal dancer.

“I just love coming to the studio and expressing my feelings through dance,” she said. “I try to put everything I’ve worked on into my performances and make it my best.”

As she prepares for the Prix de Lausanne, Tamison’s journey reflects not only her dedication but also the support of her family and community, paving the way for her dreams to become a reality.