Prix de Lausanne 2026 Winners Announced

The 2026 edition of the Prix de Lausanne has officially concluded, celebrating a week of exceptional young talent at the Beaulieu Theatre in Lausanne.

Of the 78 candidates who took part in this year’s Selection rounds, 21 dancers progressed to the Finals. The Jury, chaired by Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet, selected fourteen Prize Winners who will now receive scholarships to join one of the prestigious partner schools or companies associated with the competition.

For more than five decades, the Prix de Lausanne has provided a global platform for young dancers to transition from training into professional careers. 

1st Scholarship – Fondation Caris 424 — William Gyves (United States, 18)

Harlequin Floors: Supporting Performance at the Highest Level

Harlequin has supported the Prix de Lausanne for a number of years, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the next generation of dancers.

The stage at the Beaulieu Theatre was equipped with a Harlequin floor, providing a consistent and reliable performance surface throughout the week. 

This same commitment to quality extended behind the scenes, where two rehearsal studios within the theatre were fitted with Harlequin sprung and vinyl floors. These professional surfaces created a safe and supportive environment for candidates to rehearse and prepare, enabling them to train confidently, maintain technical precision and perform at their best throughout long and intensive days.

The Fourteen Scholarship Winners

The 2026 Prize Winners are:

Additional Awards Presented

Alongside the scholarships, several special prizes were awarded:

Finalists who were not awarded a scholarship each received the Finalists Award, recognising their achievement in reaching the final stage.

A Defining Week for the Next Generation

Many former laureates of the Prix de Lausanne have gone on to become principals, artistic directors and influential choreographers across the globe.

For the fourteen Prize Winners, the Prix de Lausanne marks a pivotal milestone. Through their scholarships, each dancer will now enter a professional school or company environment, gaining access to world-class coaching, performance opportunities and international networks.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

Image Credits: Prix de Lausanne and Gregory Batardon