Dear My Korea warmly congratulates Park Youn-jae on his historic victory at the Prix de Lausanne 2025!
From the very beginning of this prestigious competition, Park Youn-jae captured our attention and admiration with his artistry, technique, and undeniable stage presence. Watching his journey unfold was an inspiring experience for all of us who followed the event closely.
At just 16 years old, Park Youn-jae has made history as the first Korean male dancer to win the Prix de Lausanne, one of the most renowned ballet competitions in the world. Held annually in Lausanne, Switzerland, this event has launched the careers of some of the finest dancers globally. Park’s success marks a new milestone for Korean ballet, highlighting the rising prominence of South Korean dancers on the global stage.
About the Prix de Lausanne
Prix de Lausanne has always placed a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and education. Kathryn Bradney, Artistic and Executive Director of the competition, underlined this by stating, « The Prix de Lausanne is the only competition based on education. Young dancers follow dance classes and individual coaching given by the best teachers in the world for one week. » She further emphasized the broader significance of the event, adding, « We must preserve it because culture is our tool to promote peace. » The atmosphere during the press conference clearly showed that cultural understanding and peace preservation were central themes.
About Park Youn-jae
Park, a student at Seoul Arts High School, has shown incredible dedication to his craft. In an interview, he revealed that he has been watching Prix de Lausanne performances since childhood, dreaming of one day standing on that very stage. His years of commitment and perseverance culminated in a breathtaking performance that not only earned him the top scholarship but also the Best Young Talent Award at the 53rd edition of the competition.
Park’s journey also highlights the adaptability of Korean dancers. Laurent Hilaire, President of the Jury 2025, noted, « It’s super interesting to see how dancers coming from the Vaganova method can, after only one class that could be a little bit disturbing, absorb a new way and adapt their bodies to it. » The Vaganova method, predominantly used in South Korea, is known for its demanding nature. Hilaire added, « It’s our duty to make people meet, » stressing how the competition serves as a platform for dancers to discover other methods and erase boundaries between countries.
Park’s achievement carries particular significance for Korea, as the last Korean winner of the competition was ballerina Kang Sue-jin in 1985. Kang, who received a scholarship through the Prix de Lausanne, went on to become a principal dancer with the Stuttgart Ballet and now serves as the Artistic Director of the Korean National Ballet. With Park’s triumph, he follows in the footsteps of one of Korea’s most esteemed dancers while forging his own path toward a bright future.
« I am more than pleased that these Asian countries are in love with ballet. »
Li Cunxin, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Prix de Lausanne, commented on the growing influence of Asian dancers in ballet. In response to a question about « the supremacy of Asian dancers this year, » Li stated: « I am really happy to see that now countries like Japan, China, and Korea like ballet so much because usually these countries are so much business-oriented. It’s a huge evolution in 20 years. I am more than pleased that these Asian countries are in love with ballet. » Park Youn-jae’s victory perfectly embodies this evolution, symbolizing the region’s deepening appreciation for ballet.
Olivier Glauser, President of the Foundation Council, echoed sentiments of unity: « We have here 23 different nationalities. We are building bridges and building culture by sharing the same passion. Considering our world today, it’s more important than ever to make these young people meet. The language of dance is universal. »
« He was already gifted; all I did was accompany him »
During a discussion with Park’s teacher Shih-Huai Liang, it became clear that Park’s talent was evident from the beginning. Liang shared: « He was already gifted; all I did was accompany him ». When asked about the competition, Liang added, « I told him to take it easy, one day after the other.”
Reflecting on his experience at Prix de Lausanne, Park described it as transformative: « I have practiced ballet by watching performance videos from this stage ever since I started dancing. » His story is one of dedication, passion, and inspiration for young dancers in Korea and beyond.
As he embarks on this next chapter of his career, we at Dear My Korea are excited to see what lies ahead for Park Youn-jae. His success reminds us of Korea’s incredible talent and highlights limitless possibilities for its dancers on the global stage.
Dear My Korea would like to congratulate also all the young dancers who have participated to Prix de Lausanne 2025 and who did so great during the whole week.
For a glimpse of Park Youn-jae in Lausanne, you can watch his performance during selection for final here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhmgTmi0Cb8.
Written by Anita Rambaldi for Dear My Korea
Many thanks to Lee Myoungju
All Pictures (except first one) by Grégory Batardon for Prix de Lausanne