Tribute to August Bournonville

An emblematic figure of the Royal Danish Ballet, August Bournonville (1805–1879) profoundly shaped the history of dance. The creator of nearly fifty ballets between 1830 and 1876, he also established a distinctive Danish tradition of male dance, which continues to contribute to the international reputation of the Royal Danish Ballet today.

His works are still performed and passed on, notably by the Royal Danish Ballet, as well as by artists committed to preserving and teaching the Bournonville style. Among them is Thomas Lund, member of the Prix de Lausanne 2026 Jury, former Director of the Royal Danish Ballet School, and a recognised authority on the Bournonville style.

To celebrate the legacy of August Bournonville and highlight the richness of his style, the Prix de Lausanne has chosen to present excerpts from La Kermesse à Bruges (1851) during the Finals’ Interlude. The work will be performed by Alban Lendorf and Silvia Selvini, dancers of the Royal Danish Ballet, under the direction of Amy Watson, Director of the Royal Danish Ballet.

These variations will also join the official Prix de Lausanne repertoire and may, in the future, be selected and performed on stage by the candidates.