Samuel Wuersten

Talent development forms the essence of what the Prix de Lausanne is all about: a never-ending journey of discovery of some of the world’s greatest dance artists. Some of my fondest teaching memories are connected to the 13 years of teaching the Prix’ contemporary classes. As member of its artistic advisory committee, I greatly value the thoughtful and stimulating discussions around the Prix’ invaluable contribution to the dance world and to building and maintaining a sustainable global network in support of young dancers around the world.
Organizing the 2021 and 49^th edition of the Prix de Lausanne has been particularly challenging. Fortunately, a responsible solution was found as it is more important than ever to create a sense of continuity and to bridge this difficult period in support of the development of young dancers in every way imaginable. Understandably,  I am very honored to once again serve on the Prix’ jury – and under such particular circumstances.

Samuel Wuersten’s life in dance is multifaceted. He enjoyed a diversified career as a contemporary repertory dancer, created self-produced as well as commissioned work as a choreographer and is a sought after teacher of contemporary dance around the world. He is the artistic and executive director of the renowned Holland Dance Festival as well as the artistic director of the Bachelor and Master Dance programs at Zurich Arts University in Switzerland. Until recently, he was also the executive co-director of Codarts Arts University Rotterdam.

He regularly serves as a jury member and consultant to various dance and arts organizations. For over a decade, he was the artistic co-director of the Steps International Dance Festival in Switzerland, a member of the artistic committee of the Prix de Lausanne as well as the competition’s contemporary teacher. From 2013-2018, Samuel Wuersten has been the international curator of Diana Vishneva’s CONTEXT festival in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Samuel Wuersten was born and raised in Gstaad, Switzerland. He had his formal dance training at the Hamburg Ballet School as well as at Codarts Arts University Rotterdam. He is currently based in The Netherlands. In 2011 he was honoured with a knighthood in the Dutch order of Orange-Nassau. In the same year he was admitted to the French Order of Arts and Letters as Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.