Yeom Dayeon, left, and Yusei Sai pose for a photo after winning prizes in an international ballet competition for young dancers in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Kyodo)
Lausanne, Switzerland (Kyodo) — William Gyves, an 18-year-old dancer from the United States, won first prize at an international ballet competition for young dancers in Switzerland on Saturday, while two performers with Japanese nationality ranked among the top five.
Yeom Dayeon, a 17-year-old South Korean who also holds Japanese nationality, came second in the prestigious annual mixed-gender Prix de Lausanne, while fifth went to Yusei Sai, a 15-year-old Japanese born in China who lives in the United States.
Yeom shared her joy with her parents who traveled from South Korea, while Sai said, “I was able to dance without feeling nervous. I want to become a dancer who can entertain the audience.”
Lisa Ito, a 17-year-old Japanese who studies ballet in Zurich, was among the 21 finalists but missed out on being one of the 14 prize winners.
The 54th edition of the competition held in western Switzerland featured 78 participants, according to the organizer.
Prize winners are awarded scholarships and qualifications to study at a world-class ballet school or company.
The ballet competition, launched in 1973, is considered a springboard to an international career. The event is open to students aged 15 to 18 who aspire to become professional dancers.