Carlos Acosta Wins Prix de Lausanne 2023 for His Artistic Life Achievement

January 19, 2023

The Prix de Lausanne Life Achievement Award 2023 was given to the Cuban dancer for being "a true symbol of success and mission accomplished" in classical ballet.

The international dance competition Prix de Lausanne awarded Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta the 2023 Life Achievement Award.

"The Prix de Lausanne has the incredible honor of receiving Cuban dancer and director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Carlos Acosta. Winner of a Gold Medal at the Prix de Lausanne in 1990, he is a true symbol of success and 'mission accomplished' for our competition. Awarding him the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award as we celebrate our 50th anniversary truly generates a special emotion," they expressed in an official statement.

Prix de Lausanne noted that the distinction received by Acosta in 1990 is not currently awarded. They commented that the Cuban dancer stood out with this competition and gradually reached a very high level with the Royal Ballet and as a guest with prestigious companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet, English National Ballet, and Birmingham Royal Ballet, an institution he has directed since 2020.

"I am very grateful to have received the Prix de Lausanne Life Achievement Award 2023, especially during its 50th anniversary. Thank you for all your kind messages. I spoke with the Prix de Lausanne about how dance has evolved and gave my advice to young dancers," Acosta said on Facebook.

The Cuban also received congratulations from the Carlos Acosta International Dance Foundation. "We are delighted to share the news that the Prix de Lausanne has announced that the 2023 Life Achievement Award will be given to our president and founder Carlos Acosta," they expressed.

Acosta said that in classical dance in recent years "the standard has increased dramatically, and what a dancer's body is now capable of doing is amazing."

He referred to how much he enjoys new ways of executing the same ballet steps differently and highlighted, as positive, the incorporation of diverse styles into contemporary dance.

"The possibilities are unlimited and exciting. Dancers should always be ready to learn new techniques," he assured.

Acosta urged young dancers to moderate their use of social media, focus on their professional careers, and cultivate the human side.

"Being able to do endless fouettés does not make you an artist, so never stop improving and working on your art," he said after receiving this important award.

The Prix de Lausanne is an annual international competition held in Switzerland. It is aimed at young dancers who want to boost their professional careers in classical ballet. Several award winners have become leaders in major ballet companies around the world.