Victoria Parker; Prix de Lausanne an Insider's Experience

Victoria Parker

This past February, I had the unique opportunity to volunteer as an Access Controller during the Prix de Lausanne 2025, held in the beautiful city of Lausanne, Switzerland.The Prix de Lausanne is one of the most prestigious international ballet competitions,designed to identify and support the most exceptional young dancersAs the event’s official description states, “Created in 1973, the Prix de Lausanne is an international ballet competition for young dancers aged 15-18 years old. Its goal is to discover, promote, and support the finest talents around the world.”

As an Access Controller, my role was exactly as it sounds, I helped

manage and regulate access to various restricted areas around the Beaulieu Theatre. While thismight seem like a simple task, it provided me with an intimate look at the inner workings of such a world-class event. Throughout my week as a part-time volunteer, I observedfirsthand the extraordinary coordination required to run a competition of this scale. With dancers, teachers, and jury members coming together from all over the world, the level of organization had to be impeccable yet adaptable. From my perspective, the Prix de Lausanne operated like a well-oiled machine. Despite being a relatively small group, the full-time staff managed everything seamlessly, thanks in no small part to the contributions of volunteers, translators, part-time staff, and members of the local community.

What stood out to me the most was the sheer dedication of everyone involved. I met fellow volunteers who had traveled from places as far away as Brazil and Korea, all drawn by their passion for ballet and their eagerness to contribute to this renowned competition. The enthusiasm was contagious—everyone, from the dancers to the staffto the volunteers, truly wanted to be there. This collective passion created an atmosphere charged with excitement and purpose.

None, however, were more excited than the dancers themselves.

Ranging in age from just 15 to 18 years old, these young performers exhibited a level of professionalism well beyond their years. Their rigorous training had instilled in them a sense of maturity that set them apart from their peers. Yet, for all their discipline and talent, there was a remarkable humility to them. Watching them receive feedback from some of the mostesteemed figures in the ballet world was particularly inspiring.

Though my responsibilities often kept me away from the main rehearsal spaces, I did have the chance to watch a few sessions, and I quickly noticed an interesting pattern.On stage, these dancers commanded the space with remarkable confidence, performing their variations with grace and poise. However, the moment they finished, they would often retreat into themselves—shoulders slightly hunched, headsbowed—as they approached their teachers for corrections. This contrast was striking. Itwas a humbling reminder that, despite their prodigious talent, these dancers were stillstudents—eager to learn, grow, and refine their artistry. Their respect for their instructorsand their willingness to absorb feedback spoke volumes about their dedication to theircraft.

Being part of the Prix de Lausanne, even in a small way, was an unforgettable experience. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the immense effort that goes into organizing such an event and a deeper respect for the young artists striving to achieve their dreams. Their passion, discipline, and humility were truly inspiring, and I feel privileged to have witnessed a glimpse of their journey.