Switzerland is a country of precision - be it in watchmaking or in dance. Just as the gears of a Swiss watch must mesh perfectly in order to function precisely, dance also requires the highest degree of coordination, timing and discipline. Philippe Braunschweig, himself from a watchmaking family in La Chaux-de-Fonds, understood this demand for precision and transferred it to the Prix de Lausanne: a competition that promotes young talent with the same care with which a master watchmaker perfects his work. The commitment of personalities such as Philippe Braunschweig, who as founder of the competition fought tirelessly for dance as a serious professional prospect, shows that bridges are needed between tradition and the future. (More about Phillippe Braunschweig in → SPOTLIGHT in german). The Prix de Lausanne helps to ensure that the profession of dancer is taken seriously at an international level. To establish dance as a serious professional perspective and to promote it at all levels. Danse Suisse pursues the same goal. But is that enough? Or will dance remain a marginal phenomenon in Switzerland, while countries such as France or England offer their dancers more structural support?

Dance is more than just movement - it is expression, identity and resistance. The Prix de Lausanne shows that dance transcends borders as a universal language. How can an international competition contribute to dance being recognised even more in this country? The reality shows that although Switzerland has made a name for itself internationally with a total of 29 Swiss prizewinners since the competition was launched (list can be found → here), there is still some catching up to do on a structural level compared to other countries.

The meaning of dance: A springboard with a dark side?

Of course, the Prix de Lausanne is an unrivalled opportunity for young dancers. Names such as Laura Fernandez, Benoît Favre and Sarah-Jane Brodbeck stand for careers that began here. But what happens to those who don't win? Is the competition a blessing or a tough selection process that can also destroy dreams? The past shows that the Prix has long been more than just a stage for winners. Since 1999, the Prix de Lausanne has evolved and offers a comprehensive supporting programme with seminars, workshops and individual career advice. Every candidate is a winner, as they all receive valuable insights, tips and networking opportunities for their professional future.

It's not just about choosing the best dancer, but about promoting the entire dance scene. Through mentoring programmes, individual feedback sessions and contacts with renowned schools and companies, even those who don't win a prize often have decisive doors opened to them. A sustainable dance scene requires structures that go beyond the moment of the competition - and the Prix de Lausanne offers exactly that.

The Swiss candidates 2025

This year's selected candidates from Switzerland were:

• Yve-Noelle Bollinger (Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy, Australia)
• Leo Cheng (Zurich Dance Academy, Switzerland)
• Rhyan Foerster (Zurich Dance Academy, Switzerland)
• Samuel Lance (Zurich Dance Academy, Switzerland)

The Prix de Lausanne shows that Swiss ballet dancers can hold their own. Switzerland has the potential to establish dance as an important part of its cultural landscape - but a strong political and social commitment is still needed to secure this path. This is precisely what Danse Suisse is committed to. Only if dance is well supported in the long term and structurally will Switzerland be able to compete on an international level.