Houston Ballet Academy Director Joins Dance Competition Prix de Lausanne

Houston Ballet Academy Director, Shelly Power, will assume a new role at the international dance competition, Prix de Lausanne in September 2016. Power will lead Prix de Lausanne as the first dually titled Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer in the competitions 45-year history. "I'm very grateful to the many individuals who have contributed to the impressive legacy of the Prix de Lausanne. My hope is to build on the wonderful legacy of the organization, and expand the Prix de Lausanne's role supporting students' next steps in the international dance world and beyond," said, Power.

"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, Fondation en faveur de l'art chorégraphique, the Board of the Prix de Lausanne.

Prix de Lausanne's mission is focused on: revealing exceptional talent of young dancers (ages 15 to 18), offering scholarships to the most prestigious international schools and companies, promoting scholastic education and preserving dancer's health through proactive health guidelines. "Shelly constructed an internationally recognized school at Houston Ballet. Our long-standing relationship with Prix de Lausanne will be strengthened by her presence and I look forward to working with her for many years to come," said, Houston Ballet Artistic Director, Stanton Welch.

During her 11 years with Houston Ballet, Power developed a robust four-tier main school that includes skill-based progression through a preschool, lower, middle and upper school. In addition to the ballet coursework, Power developed numerous programs to support career-planning, wellness, academics, housing and life-skills that insure students will be successful regardless of their career path. "Shelly's vision and management of Houston Ballet's Academy has advanced the reputation of the organization's commitment to excellent ballet training. Her leadership has led to numerous awards, national and international tours and the placement of Academy students in world-class, professional ballet organizations," said, Phoebe Tudor, Houston Ballet Board of Trustees President.

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