New Zealand Teen Tamison Soppet Selected for Prestigious Ballet Competition

Christchurch teenager Tamison Soppet has been selected as a candidate for the acclaimed Prix de Lausanne, often referred to as the “ballet Olympics.” The 15-year-old discovered the news while preparing for a ballet class in Paris, expressing her joy with a heartfelt reaction upon receiving the call from her mother. “Mum told me and I just jumped in excitement,” she recalled, emphasizing how surreal it felt to be recognized on such a significant stage.

Tamison is the only dancer from New Zealand and one of just two from Australasia chosen to compete in this prestigious event, scheduled to take place from February 1 to 8, 2026, in Lausanne, Switzerland. The selection process was rigorous; she submitted a 15-minute video audition showcasing her skills in barre, centre, and pointe work, along with a contemporary dance piece. A jury comprised of nine dance professionals reviewed submissions from 444 dancers across 43 countries, ultimately selecting just 81 participants for the competition.

Facing some of the world’s best young dancers, Tamison acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains optimistic. “It’s going to be pretty tough but I’m just going to go there and enjoy myself and do my best,” she stated. Her enthusiasm is palpable, as she looks forward to performing in front of influential figures from elite ballet schools.

Tamison’s love for dance started early, with her mother, Toni Soppet, sharing that her daughter has been dancing since she could walk. “She flew around with butterfly wings and cuteness,” Toni said, highlighting her daughter’s innate passion. That early enthusiasm has transformed into a dedicated pursuit requiring discipline and resilience. Tamison trains at Convergence Dance Studios four days a week while balancing her studies at the correspondence school, Te Kura.

“She’s very determined. She works really hard,” Toni explained. “She’s literally up at 7 a.m., into the studio by 8 a.m., and she’s training all day.” The demands of her rigorous training schedule often leave Tamison exhausted, yet she finds immense joy in her craft. Toni expressed her pride, stating, “Tears are in my eyes, she’s just breathtaking.”

Tamison’s accolades already include winning the junior women’s title at the Youth America Grand Prix in New York last year, where she showcased her remarkable talent at just 14 years old. In addition to high distinctions in RAD and NZAMD exams, she has garnered top placements in international competitions, gold medals, and scholarships from prestigious institutions. Her dedication has also led her to become part of The Royal Ballet School’s international scholars programme.

Artistic director Olivia Russell of Convergence Dance Studios lauded the opportunity the Prix de Lausanne presents. “It’s an exceptional platform for dancers to launch their careers,” she said. Russell provided insight into the competition’s structure, noting that the jury evaluates dancers’ performances out of 100, with equal weight given to classical and contemporary disciplines.

At the conclusion of the week-long event, a networking forum will also give candidates who did not advance to the finals a chance to connect with international schools and directors. Russell emphasized Tamison’s unique talent, stating, “She has exceptional turn-out and exceptional leg line and feet,” and praised her ability to create lasting impressions through her artistry.

As Tamison prepares for this significant milestone, the financial demands of her dance training continue to rise. To support her journey, the Soppet family has set up a Givealittle page to help cover costs associated with pointe shoes, custom costumes, private coaching, and international travel.

On December 7, Tamison will perform as Cinderella in Convergence Dance Studios’ end-of-year production. Her aspirations extend towards joining the ranks of prestigious institutions like The Royal Ballet in London or the Paris Opera Ballet, with dreams of becoming a principal dancer. “I love it so much,” she said, reflecting on her passion for dance. “It just brings so much joy, even on hard days.”

The Prix de Lausanne 2026 marks a pivotal moment in Tamison’s promising career, allowing her to showcase her talent on an international platform while potentially opening doors to future opportunities in the world of ballet.