Prix de Lausanne names new Artistic Director

Houston Ballet Academy DirectorIt was recently announced that Shelly Power has been named the incoming Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of the prestigious Prix de Lausanne. Set to join the organization in time for the 45th Prix de Lausanne in 2017, Power, who is currently Academy Director for the Houston Ballet, will succeed Amanda Bennett. She’ll become the organization’s first-ever fulltime Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer. Her appointment, subject to approval by Swiss authorities, will begin September 2016.

 

“The Prix will reach its 45th year in 2017. I’m delighted that we will have Shelly Power’s experience, vision and dynamism to lead this extraordinary and much-loved competition into its second half century,” said Stephane Lagonico, president of Fondation en faveur de l’art chorégraphique and board member of the Prix de Lausanne. “Shelly’s extensive leadership experience and her international reputation will enable the Prix to build on the significant achievements of the organization and our current Artistic Director, Amanda Bennett, who will lead us through the 2016 Prix.”

 

Power will come straight from the Houston Ballet Academy, where she had both artistic and administrative responsibility. During her 11-year tenure, the Academy achieved significant growth and enhanced international reputation. She ensured the Houston Ballet remained an active Partner School within the Prix de Lausanne network.

 

“I’m very grateful to the many individuals who have contributed to the impressive legacy of the Prix de Lausanne,” Power stated. “The decision of the board of directors to define a full-time position with both artistic and administrative responsibility will provide a stronger platform to realize our aspirations for future growth and development. My hope is to build on the wonderful legacy of the organization, and expand the Prix de Lausanne’s role in supporting students’ next steps in the international dance world and beyond.”

 

Until her arrival, the Prix de Lausanne will continue under the leadership of Bennett, also the director of the Ballettschule Theater Basel. Bennett has led the Prix since 2012.

 

“I applaud the Board’s decision to bring Shelly Power in as the new CEO/Artistic Director,” said Amanda Bennett. “I look forward to working with her during this transition.”

 

The 44th Prix de Lausanne International Ballet Competition will take place January 31–February 7, 2016. For further information, visit www.prixdelausanne.org.

 

Photo: Shelly Power. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.