Kinsun Chan

The Prix de Lausanne is a symbol of quality, hard work, discipline, hope and the future. The competition offers prizes but more importantly a journey, a journey that will enrich the lives of all the talented candidates and participants involved. I see dance and the arts as an important part of humanity, being a part of the Prix de Lausanne is a chance to support and celebrate both of these inseparable causes.

The Swiss-Canadian choreographer and designer, Kinsun Chan, began his studies in Art and Graphic Design, entering the ballet world at a late age. He started his professional dance career in America and came to Europe when he was invited to join Ballet Zürich and later Ballet Basel. He performed many soloist roles from renown choreographers such as Kylián, Forsythe, Duato, Spoerli, Van Manen, Wherlock and Wubbe.

His first choreography was created at the Ballet Zürich. Soon after he was invited to choreograph for the Noverre Society at the Stuttgart Ballet. His choreographies have been performed by the Basel Ballet, Singapore Ballet, Tiroler Landestheater, Tanz Luzerner Theater, Hong Kong Ballet, Hannover Ballet, Staatstheater Kassel, Royal Ballet School of Antwerp, John Cranko Ballet School, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Munich Ballet Academy-Heinz Bosl Stiftung, Arles Youth Ballet Company, Tanz Akademie Zürich and the Vienna State Opera Ballet Academy. His creation for the Hong Kong Ballet was invited to the Jacobs Pillow Festival (USA) and Festival des arts de Saint Sauveur (Quebec, Canada). Kinsun’s choreography bring full circle his work in Art and Design, encompassing a dynamic visual language.

As of the 2019/20 season, he became the director of the Tanzkompanie des Theaters St. Gallen. Kinsun Chan is the newly appointed Artistic Director of the Semperoper Ballett as of the 2024/25 season.

Two of his variations were offered to the Prix de Lausanne candidates (ECHO and RAIN).

Photo portrait © Admill Kuyler