Who Makes Costumes For The Prix De Lausanne?

For a dancer, the months leading up to the Prix de Lausanne competition in Switzerland are wrought with excitement, nervousness and intense goal setting. Once a dance student sets his or her mind on entering and winning this competition, there is a natural chain of  events that have to take place.

Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Prix De Lausanne Candidate?

You fit the age requirements. You come from the right dance background and have the required training. You have a high-level of skill with:

• Your technique, coordination and control.
• You communicate beautifully through movement and music.
• You show unique individuality.
• Your physical aesthetics are suitable for professional ballet.
• Your artistry and stage presence are compelling.

After viewing your entrance video, the  Prix de Lausanne has decided that you qualify as a candidate. Congratulations! Now you get to choose which variation you want to perform from the official list. After choosing the variation, comes a very important task; finding a costume for your role.

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2015 Contestant Natasha Watson In Her Raymonda Variation Tutu

© 2015 Monica Newell Couture

Although contestants come from all over the globe, we cant help but give kudos to those who compete wearing a Costume Creation.  For the 2015 competition, our lovely dancer chose the Raymonda Solo, Tableau du Rêve Act 1,  Alexandre Glazunov – Marius Petipa.

We can only imagine how a dancer studies the list of approved variations before he or she makes that final decision. How do you choose a variation?  Here are a few ways:

• Pick one where the technique needed is something you are very, very good at.
• Choose whatever variation you feel the judges will be impressed by.
• Find a variation that is both an out-of-the-norm choice for most contestants and one that shows off your ballet training.

Judges are human and get bored watching the same old variations chosen by the majority of competitors. They may have to listen to the same music over and over again. Understanding the judges and what might make them sit up and take notice of you can give you an edge. Boredom is a real peeve when you are a professional dance competition judge.

Read more about dance judges and what impresses them.

 From Bits To Glitz-The Costume Making Process Is Fascinating

© 2015 Dance Photo by Gregory Batardon, All Rights Reserved

Picture a ballet costume studio. Inside are reels of gorgeous trims and brilliant embellishments. There are rainbow shades of unmeasured netting waiting to be cut and pleated. There are sewing notions and tools, dressmaker mannequins and notes jotted down. There are containers of crystals and beads.

From these bits are sourced a garment that will end up on a dancer who will end up on stage in front of hundreds of people. The creative process is really amazing. Couture is even more so. There are no assembly lines, no power scissors to do mass cutting of ready-to-wear patterns, no warehouse full of employees sitting at sewing machines racing to meet a “quota”.

For the bespoke designer, there is a one-on-one relationship with every garment they make.  Like an artist painting a canvas, a costume maker expresses their artistic side manipulating fabric and shapes, silhouettes and textures.

Unlike a painter who may not know who will end up with their art work, a costume designer has to keep a client and her variation in mind. So here we see that tutu making is:

• A medium of art through the use of garment materials.
• A freedom of expression and personality.
• Working within the confines of classical ballet tradition
• Making a dancer look, function and feel like a professional.

As a Variation tutu maker, you are both free and confined. Fascinating, isn’t it?

 One of the most heart-felt and positive aspects of making tutus is the pure joy that comes from seeing both the dancer and the costume on stage.

Climbing The Ballet Career Ladder Isn’t Easy

© 2015 Monica Newell

There are so many reasons why young dance students enter competitions like the Prix de Lausanne. The main attractions are the scholarships and apprentice contracts that help move them along the ballet ladder. What so many people forget about the seemingly frail ballerina is how early she learns the art of being resilient.

In other words, ballet sometimes hurts. Pointe shoes hurt. Sore muscles hurt. Expensive training hurts. Competitions can hurt. Many come. Few are chosen. 

The miracle and the magic is that these young dancers don’t give up. They keep on training and competing against the odds. What they need to know is that they are already winners. They were noticed by the highest echelon of people in the ballet world.

Anyone who can reach a top-level entry to a prestigious dance competition like the Prix de Lausanne has that special something; you caught the eye of the entrance judges. There was something about you that made you a good contender for the prize. It is called potential. The seeds of greatness lay within you and will help you accomplish your dreams. Potential realised equals success.

“It is a denial of the divinity within us to doubt our potential and our possibilities.”
― James E. Faust

This page is dedicated to all the resilient, brave and beautiful dance competitors around the world.

How To Impress The Judges At The Prix De Lausanne Or Any Dance Competition

 Creating The Wow Factor In Front Of  Competition Judges

What makes a winner? To you and me, the term winner can mean so many different things. To a professional judge at the  Prix de Lausanne, choosing a winner goes way beyond being impressed with a dancer’s great technique. They are looking for that certain something in a contestant that makes he or she stand way out above the other contestants. The French call this certain something je ne sais quoi.

Je ne sais quoi; An intangible quality that makes something distinctive or attractive  ¹

That certain something cannot be denied when you choose to compete in a couture ensemble of the highest quality. It cannot be denied when you know you belong on stage and it is what you were born to do.Passionate dancers are attractive dancers. People who believe in their dreams are incredibly inspiring to all of us.

In order to stand out as a top-contender, you have to bring passion to your performance. Be a distinctive contestant by choosing a variation that excites you and brings out your inner Sara Bernhardt.

Understanding the judges, what they think of your variation choice, how well you emote your role and what you do if something goes wrong on stage are critical for gaining the winning edge.

Understanding  What Competition Judges Are Like

Who are the people who sit on the judges panel at the Prix de Lausanne? First and foremost, these special individuals are volunteers. They have a deep love for the world of dance. They are highly seasoned veterans with years of theatrical experience under their belts. They include:

• Professionals Affiliated With Company Partners
• Former Prix de Lausanne Prize Winners
• Guest Teachers Or Coaches
• Artistic Directors Of Prestigious Dance  Theatres
• Former Principal Dancers

Judges are just as thrilled to participate in the discovery of new talent as the contestants are thrilled about being discovered. They are looking for a diamond in the rough. Why? Because you, as a potential winner, are the next generation to carry on the traditions of classical dance.

Use Variation Choices That Don’t Bore Them To Death

One of the hardest things to remember about judges is how many times they have seen the same popular variations chosen and performed over and over again. You can imagine how boring that must be.  I was intrigued to find this insight in a well-established dance publication .²  It came right from the mouth of a former Prix de Lausanne judge in an article about their pet peeves.

Knowing this information is priceless. The competitive edge comes just as much from knowing what not to do as what to do. It would be wonderful if these peeves were kept up to date so a competitor could avoid the common mistakes that turn many judges off.

 

Intense Passion And Artistry That Can Move The Emotions  Of Even The Most Stoic Judge

As much as a ballet story requires perfection of physical technique, there is an equally important quality that makes a dancer rise to the top of the theatrical ladder.  Artistry.  You are not a dancer. You are an actress that uses her body to tell a story.

You are not dancing Giselle. You ARE Giselle. Your heart is broken and you cannot go on. The entire world feels your pain. Even your dog looks at you with sad despair. You may only be a peasant, but your love runs deep and true.

Sounds theatrical and dramatic, doesn’t it? The most breathtaking dancers in history had this level of immersion when portraying a character. You could feel the emotions in the air. They permeated from the stage. Characters come alive and transport the audience to another place and time. Technique thrills the heart, but artistry captures the soul.

Use Professionalism When Something Goes Wrong On Stage

Stage calamities; the most dreaded words in the English language for anyone about to compete in front of judges for a highly coveted dance prize. Judges already know that mishaps can happen during a variation. I’m not talking about tutus catching on fire, curtains falling down or stage floors collapsing, but the little things that can unnerve a contestant like slipping or tripping.

You will be judged on how well you handle yourself during a faux pas on stage. Here are a few tips:

• Carry on and pretend the faux pas never happened. The show must go on.
• Maintain your composure at all costs. You have the dignity of a Queen, the grace of a noble and the courage of a lioness.
• Don’t stop your variation mid-movement with a look of shock and surprise.
• Whatever you do, avoid running from the stage sobbing and screaming. Dramatic, yes. Professional, no.

If you have ever witnessed a dancer showing grace under pressure and handling a mishap during a performance with courage, it is incredibly impressive.  To sum up how to impress a dance competition judge:

• Wear a couture costume that showcases your beauty.  For questions about Prix de Lausanne variation costumes contact us here. General inquiries here.
• Choose a variation whose character inspires you and can come alive through your movements.
• Practice the art of drama and theatrical flair outside of the classroom; study acting techniques.
• Don’t choose a “safe” variation, neither one that is too far out of your comfort zone.
• Be professional when mishaps occur on stage.
• Relax, forget about the audience and become one with your role. Get lost in it.
• Be happy. You have been chosen to compete because you have amazing potential.

“No pressure, no diamonds”. -Thomas Carlyle

 

Sources Cited

1. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/je_ne_sais_quoi, no modifications,  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

2. Pointemagazine.com/issues/junejuly-2011/judges-pet-peeves

How To Win The Prix de Lausanne 2015

© Original Couture Tutu Design by Monica Newell, Costume Creations UK , All Rights Reserved

Around the world, ballet students with professional aspirations for a dance career apply year after year to one of the most prestigious competition prizes they could ever hope to win; a paid scholarship to a coveted school funded through The Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland.

This is not a competition for professional ballet dancers. Instead, it celebrates the untapped talent of amateur students that may have what it takes to impress the judges with their skills and artistry. It is, first and foremost, an incredible opportunity for talented youth to be given the accolades they deserve.  Let’s find out what it takes to win a competition like the Prix de Lausanne.

What Kind Of Experience Does A Typical Contestant Have?

The Prix de Lausanne competition is open to non-professional ballet dancers between the ages of 15 to 18. This means that you can apply for a spot in the competition if you have been attending classes as a ballet student, not a paid corp member of a theatre. The beauty of these requirements means that you, as a student anywhere in the world, can make yourself known to those who can advance your dance career.

Impeccable Ballet Technique, Stage Presence And Natural Talent

© Exclusive Dancewear Design by Monica Newell, All Rights Reserved

The reason why winning a prize at the Prix de Lausanne is such a coveted accolade for young dancers is because it acknowledges that you have what it takes to move up the dance ladder of success. That in itself is a huge prize when you have worked so hard mastering the art of ballet technique.

Students with a deep passion, respect and love of the art form that are low on funds can receive much-needed help when they win a  scholarship prize. Ballet is incredibly expensive; especially if you want to join a professional academy and get top-notch training by the best instructors.

You will also need:

• A High Level Of  Physical Technique – Excellent turnout, physical symmetry of the body, well-formed arches, graceful port de bras, strong and well-balanced lifts and jumps and proper pointe technique.

• Stage Presence– It is hard to cheat on this one. Dancers that can connect their body movements with musical beats are one thing. A dancer that sends out vibes to the audience that he or she is already a star is another.

• The Ability To Project Emotion– Understanding the nuances of choreography, movement and music combined with a soul-stirring display of silent emotion that your audience can feel almost guarantees you were meant for the stage.

• Natural Talent– Some of us are born to dance professionally on a stage, the rest of us have to work incredibly hard. Anyone can take up recreational ballet training ; few are “born with it”. Many famous ballerinas knew from a young age that they were going to pursue a career in ballet.

• Dogged Determination– Are you determined to dance professionally? If you are willing to put in the vast amount of sweat equity, sacrifice and years of training that a ballet dancer endures, you can do it. If you have all of the above, you can accomplish anything your mind sets out to do.

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” – Bill Cosby

Choose Your Variation, Then  Arrange A Consultation For Your Competition Costume Well In Advance

© Professional Classical Ballet Tutu by Monica Newell, Costume Creations UK , All Rights Reserved

There is no doubt that a Prix de Lausanne contestant has a lot to think about and plan for as the competition deadline approaches. There are a lot of choices to make. Many contestants consult with others as to which variation they think is the best.

Choose a role you LOVE and one that you know you can dance beautifully. Practice, practice, practice. Did I mention practice?

After choosing your variation, consider the immense importance of your competition costume. It could make you or break you on stage.

*  Your costume has to portray the character, role and variation perfectly.

* It should be easy and comfortable for you to wear and allow for maximum range of motion.

* It should feel safe and secure on your body with a perfect fit.

*  It should be constructed of the highest-quality materials using the finest of couture techniques.

* It should wow the judges and the audience members with its theatrical beauty and role-enhancing style.

* You should look and feel absolutely beautiful wearing it.

Choose your costume maker carefully and arrange an inquiry well in advance of your deadline. If you have any questions about ordering deadlines, prices, and how the couture process works for competitions like the Prix de Lausanne, feel free to contact Monica for more details.

 

Prix De Lausanne Competition Costumes

When only the finest in classical ballet design will do. © Designed by Monica Newell

In the world of ballet study, there are two types of dancers. One is happy to proceed with training at a regular pace and may not think too much about a serious career. The other, however, is intent on climbing the professional dance ladder in earnest. He or she has the highest aspirations of making a real career as a ballet dancer. For them, the world of dance competitions is serious business; it can make or break any advancement into the world of ballet success.

In order for dance theatres and academy scouts to weed out the very best talent, competitions are required. However, there is an incredible benefit for the contestant as well. There is nothing in the world that can compare to the pure exhilaration of competing with and against some of the finest dancers in the world; double that feeling for the winner!

Preliminary Testing And The Prix De Lausanne Dress Guidelines

I can honestly say that are many times during the course of writing about these topics, that I myself become a perpetual student. The more I write and research about the inner workings of ballet costume design for international competitions, the more fascinated I become.

Professional ballet has always been an art form that is very strict and of the highest standards. You can see those standards in place by viewing some of the dress guidelines for dancers who want to be considered for entry into the Prix de Lausanne system.

Contestants Must Follow Dress Code Rules For Complimentary Classes

© Design Copyright, Monica Newell – All Rights Reserved

During the competition phase, contestants are given a daily ballet class and coaching that entails meeting their required dress code for those classes. Below is the classical genre standard.

Female dancers must wear :

•  A sleeveless leotard
•  Pink tights
•  Soft slippers or pointe shoes with ribbons
•  No jewellery or hair decorations
•  Rehearsal tutus for classical coaching classes

Male Dancers must wear:

•  A form-fitting plain, white t-shirt or white leotard
• Black tights
• White socks and white slippers

You can learn more about the Prix de Lausanne class dress codes by visiting their competition procedures page.

Dancing Her Way To Fulfilling Her Ballet Career Goals

Prix de Lausanne Contestants Select Costumes Based On Age Group, Role And Variation

Creating winners one tutu at a time. © Monica Newell

In order to choose a costume for this competition, a dancer first selects the age group he or she falls under. There, choices are listed for roles and variations. Variations from Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Raymonda, Don Quixote, Coppelia or Swan Lake are just a few that contestants can choose from.

Whatever costume choice a dancer makes at this time is crucial if they are  going for the gold. The perks are outstanding for any dancer who wins the Prix de Lausanne.  Winning can mean gaining a scholarship to a prestigious school like The Royal Ballet or The English National Ballet just to name a few.

Choosing a  winning Prix de Lausanne costume means finding a master designer like Monica Newell who has decades of experience and expertise creating couture garments specifically for competitions of this magnitude.

Award-winning variation designs, specialised character couture and decades in the world of professional dance competitions is why Costume Creations is the perfect choice for any contestant facing a prestigious challenge like winning a Prix de Lausanne title.

” The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. “- Vince Lombardi