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

Christchurch teenager Tamison Soppet has been selected as a candidate for Switzerland’s esteemed Prix de Lausanne, often referred to as the “ballet Olympics.” The 15-year-old dancer received the news just before a ballet class in Paris, where she was eagerly waiting with her parents. Overwhelmed with joy, she described the moment her mother broke the news as a dream come true.

Tamison is the only dancer from New Zealand and one of just two from Australasia to compete in this prestigious event scheduled for February 1-8, 2026. The selection process involved a rigorous application that included a 15-minute video audition featuring barre, centre, and pointe work, alongside a contemporary dance piece. A jury of nine dance professionals evaluated submissions from 444 dancers across 43 countries, ultimately selecting only 81 participants for the competition.

Despite the competitive nature of the event, Tamison expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “It’s going to be pretty tough,” she said, “but I’m just going to go there and enjoy myself and do my best.” She emphasized the hard work that has led her to this point and her desire to showcase her passion for dance on an international stage.

Tamison’s journey began long before she stepped into a dance studio. Her mother, Toni Soppet, recalled that Tamison has been dancing since she could walk, filling their home with joy and energy. “She’s very determined. She works really hard,” Toni noted, highlighting her daughter’s dedication to balancing a demanding training schedule at Convergence Dance Studios with her studies at the correspondence school, Te Kura.

Training under the guidance of artistic director Olivia Russell since the age of 10, Tamison has developed into a remarkable talent. Her achievements include winning the junior women’s title at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix in New York last year and earning high distinctions in both the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and New Zealand Association of Dance Teachers (NZAMD) examinations. Tamison has also received scholarships from elite institutions and is part of The Royal Ballet School’s international scholars programme.

Russell believes the Prix de Lausanne represents an extraordinary opportunity for Tamison to connect with elite ballet schools and companies. “It’s an exceptional platform for dancers to launch their careers,” she said. The competition’s structure emphasizes versatility, assessing dancers across classical and contemporary styles.

At the end of the competition week, a networking forum will allow candidates who do not advance to the finals to be seen by international directors interested in offering further training or job opportunities. Russell remarked on Tamison’s exceptional talent, noting her remarkable turn-out and innate sense of line, which creates lasting impressions on audiences.

Tamison’s pursuit of ballet excellence has also required significant financial investment. To support her ambitions, the Soppet family has established a Givealittle page to assist with expenses related to pointe shoes, custom costumes, private coaching, and international travel.

As she prepares for her next performance as Cinderella in Convergence Dance Studios’ end-of-year production on December 7, 2023, Tamison continues to dream big. She aspires to join either The Royal Ballet in London or the Paris Opera Ballet as a principal dancer. “I just love coming to the studio and getting to express my feelings through dance,” she said, reflecting on her passion and commitment to the art form.

With the Prix de Lausanne on the horizon, Tamison Soppet stands poised to make her mark in the world of ballet, embodying the dedication and talent that mark her as one of the most promising dancers of her generation.