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Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer for the 2017 Prix de Lausanne

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18 Nov 2015

Prix de Lausanne announces Shelly Power as incoming Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer for the 2017 Prix de Lausanne

November 18, 2015 – Lausanne, Switzerland

The Board of Directors of the Prix de Lausanne is pleased to announce today the appointment of Shelly Power as incoming Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, in time for the 45th Prix de Lausanne in 2017. Ms. Power, currently Academy Director for the Houston Ballet will succeed Amanda Bennett, and become the organization’s first-ever full time Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Power’s appointment, subject to approval by Swiss authorities, becomes in effect in September 2016.

“The Prix will reach its 45th year in 2017. I’m delighted that we will have Shelly Power’s experience, vision and dynamism to lead this extraordinary and much-loved competition into its second half century,” said Stephane Lagonico, President, Fondation en faveur de l’art chorégraphique, the Board of the Prix de Lausanne. “Shelly’s extensive leadership experience and her international reputation will enable the Prix to build on the significant achievements of the organization and our current Artistic Director, Amanda Bennett, who will lead us through the 2016 Prix.”

S-Power-headshot-2009-color-no-tiltMs. Power will arrive from the Houston Ballet Academy where she had both artistic and administrative responsibility. During her 11 year tenure, the Academy achieved significant growth and enhanced international reputation. Ms. Power ensured the Houston Ballet remained an active Partner School within the Prix de Lausanne network.

“I’m very grateful to the many individuals who have contributed to the impressive legacy of the Prix de Lausanne,” said Shelly Power. “The decision of the board of directors to define a full-time position with both artistic and administrative responsibility will provide a stronger platform to realize our aspirations for future growth and development. My hope is to build on the wonderful legacy of the organization, and expand the Prix de Lausanne’s role in supporting students’ next steps in the international dance world and beyond.”

Until Ms. Power’s arrival, the Prix de Lausanne will continue under the leadership of Amanda Bennett, director of the Ballettschule Theater Basel. Ms. Bennett has been the Artistic Director for the Prix de Lausanne since 2012.

“I applaud the Board’s decision to bring Shelly Power in as the new CEO/Artistic Director,” said Amanda Bennett. “I look forward to working with her during this transition”.

About The Prix de Lausanne

The Prix de Lausanne is an international ballet competition that aims to provide a springboard for talented dancers. Through its scholarships and apprenticeships, offered in partnership with the most eminent professional ballet schools and ballet companies around the world, the Prix de Lausanne provides a unique and invaluable stepping stone for young talent. From the very beginning, a commitment to the health, education and well-being of young dancers has been fundamental to the Prix’s underlying philosophy.

The competition takes place annually, during the last week of January or the first of February, at the Theatre de Beaulieu, in Lausanne, Switzerland. Each year, six to eight prize winners are offered one year scholarships from a choice of 32 Partner Schools or apprenticeships at a choice of 32 Partner Companies. Candidates who are not selected to take part in the finals participate in a Networking Forum, through which they meet many directors of Partner Schools and Companies. In this way, the Prix aims to provide a life enhancing experience not just for its winners, but for everyone who takes part.

Over its 43 year history, many of the international ballet community’s most celebrated and accomplished dancers have competed at the Prix de Lausanne and have benefited from the scholarships and apprenticeships.

The 44th Prix de Lausanne International Ballet Competition will take place January 31 – February 7, 2016.