Prix de Lausanne, the equivalent of the Olympics for young dancers, is a prestigious ballet competition known for making future ballet superstar recently announced their list of 81 finalists. One of the finalists and the only African American selected to participate at the Prix de Lausanne, Sydney Upchurch (age 15), is a talented young dancer from Cary Ballet. Under the keen direction of Mariaelena Ruiz (YAGP Finals Outstanding Teacher), Sydney will be competing against some of the most gifted and ferocious young dancers of the ballet world. She will be going up against the crème de la crème representing 17 countries from around the world. This year Prix de Lausanne selected 49 girls and 32 boys to contest for the coveted top prizes over the first week of February 2022.
Right before the selections were announced, Ashley Lorraine Baker was able to photograph Sydney in her hometown of Cary, North Carolina during rehearsal for Balanchine’s Serenade, staged by the one and only Suzanne Farrell.
Sydney and Nathan rehearsing Balanchine’s Serenade staged by Suzanne Farrell. Photo by Ashley Lorraine Baker
Here is a quick interview with the beautiful young American ballerina:
Right now a lot of the ballet world is scrambling as they commit to summer intensives. If you are late to the game, don’t worry! You haven’t missed out. These are amazing courses that still have auditions. These award-winning teachers are based around the US and will help you on your ballet journey.
MAINTENANCE COURSES MAINTENANCE 1 June 14-18, 2021 Stay in shape before leaving for a summer course. This course offers a 2 hour ballet class every day, plus 1 hour a day of either contemporary, modern, conditioning, stretching, pointe. Only 14 students will be accepted. 15 Hours of Training /
MAINTENANCE 2 June 21-25, 2021 Stay in shape before leaving for a summer course. This course offers a 2 hour ballet class every day, plus 1 hour a day of either contemporary, modern, conditioning, stretching, pointe. Only 14 students will be accepted. 15 Hours of Training /
PROGRAM 1 July 11-17, 2021. This seven-day course is geared for students who show exceptional potential in ballet who are interested in progressing their training through safe and effective methodologies. The Young Dancer Program is geared for students ages 7-11 who show exceptional potential in ballet. This is by audition only. To audition please follow the directions at the bottom of this page.
Only 14 students will be accepted. 35 Hours of Training /
PROGRAM 2 July 25-31, 2021 This seven-day course is geared for comp jazz students ages 7-13 who are looking to supplement their training with ballet technique. This program is geared for students who compete at high levels. Only 12 students will be accepted. 35 Hours of Training /
PROGRAM 3 August 15-21, 2021 This seven-day course is geared for comp jazz/ contemporary students ages 7-13 who are looking to supplement their training with ballet technique. This program is geared for students who compete at high levels. Only 12 students will be accepted. 35 Hours of Training
PROGRAM 4 August 23-27 & August 30 – September 3, 2021 This ten day course is designed to get dancers back in shape for the 2021-2022 season. This program is designed for Clinic Students who are returning from summer intensives, or are new to the program. Only 12 students will be accepted. 20 Hours of Training per Week /
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