Founded in 1973 by Philippe Braunschweig, a ballet enthusiast, the Prix de Lausanne very quickly found its place in the realm of dance. Sponsored by Rosella Hightower and Maurice Béjart, founder of the Béjart Ballet Lausanne, who set the rules, in no time the contest achieved international renown and attracted young hopefuls (from 15 to 18 years old) from all over the world, particularly Asia, where dance is blossoming incredibly.

With the increasing number of registrations, the selection system has been revised so as to allow only the best candidates to be judged on their potential rather than on what they have already learnt.

Held at the Palais de Beaulieu every year, the event has become popular in several countries thanks to live or pre-recorded television broadcasts. The Prix de Lausanne rewards the winners with scholarships that allow them to take classes in reputed ballet schools or to join a professional company.