Dawson High School sophomore Aubrey Daniels is trading her pointe shoes for a passport as she prepares to compete at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland this February.
Known as the “Olympics of Dance,” the competition attracts the world’s most talented young dancers, and Daniels is one of only 44 selected globally—and the first Houston-area ballerina to be chosen in nearly a decade.
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Daniels, whose grace and grit have dazzled audiences, is thrilled to be part of this elite event.
“I am incredibly honored to be selected for the Prix de Lausanne,” Daniels said. “It’s a dream come true, and I’m eager to represent my school, my city, and my country on the international stage.”
Unlike many of her peers in ballet, Daniels maintains a packed schedule of AP and pre-AP classes at Dawson High School.
“I love school, my teachers and classmates,” she shared. “I want to prove I do not have to give up high school to achieve my goals in dance.”
Beyond her studies and ballet training, she’s also a leader in the Pearland ISD Superintendent Student Ambassadors group, working on educational policy initiatives alongside Dr. Larry Berger.
The Prix de Lausanne jury, made up of renowned ballet professionals, will evaluate participants on artistry, technique, and performance. Winners can earn life-changing apprenticeships or scholarships with prestigious companies like the Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theater, and the Paris Opera Ballet.
As Daniels pirouettes closer to her dreams, all of Pearland—and Houston—will be cheering her on.