The prestigious Prix de Lausanne once again shone a spotlight on the world’s most promising young dancers, among them an 18-year-old American dancer, Hector Jain, who is currently a student at Monaco’s renowned Princess Grace Academy. His remarkable talent and dedication have earned him the coveted Jeune Étoile Scholarship.

Now in its 53rd edition, the Prix de Lausanne is an international ballet competition for young dancers aged 15 to 18 years that helps discover, promote, and support the finest talents from around the world. The event took place between 2nd and 9th February in the Swiss city that gives its name to the competition, and once again, a student from the Princess Grace Academy secured a coveted bursary.

Since 2014, the Princess Grace Academy has had 15 students selected to compete in this internationally acclaimed event. Their collective achievements have been impressive, with 23 awards claimed, including four prestigious gold medals. This time, it was the turn of Hector Jain, who earned the Jeune Étoile Scholarship.

The scholarship is routinely given to an exceptional young dancer, usually in recognition of their remarkable talent, performance and potential for a successful professional career in ballet. It is intended to provide the recipient with the opportunity to further their training by giving them access to a scholarship at one of the world’s leading ballet schools or professional ballet companies, helping them take the next step in their development as a dancer.

The continued success of students from the Princess Grace Academy reflects the exceptional instruction provided under the guidance of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, led by Jean-Christophe Maillot. This remarkable track record is also a testament to the dedication of Luca Masala, the Academy’s Artistic Director, along with his team of expert instructors.

The Princess Grace Academy has several upcoming events scheduled for the 2024/2025 season. From 17th to 22nd February, the academy will host its Winter Internships and Auditions, where aspiring dancers will have the opportunity to train with the academy’s distinguished teaching staff. Later in the year, on 20th and 21st June, students will take the stage at the Salle Garnier for the Annual Gala Performance, an event that showcases their exceptional talent and progress. The season will conclude with the Summer Intensive, running from 7th July to 2nd August, featuring both the academy’s faculty and esteemed guest instructors.

For more information on the Academy and its programmes, click here.

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Photo credit: Gregory Batardon