FILIPINO FINALIST AT THE 36^TH PRIX DE LAUSANNE

08 February 2008 - Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Minerva Jean A. Falcon reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that, on 03 February, Marcelino Libao, Jr., a promising 15-year old Filipino ballet student at the Steps Dance Studio in the Philippines, was the first to perform in a competition of 20 finalists.  Mac or Macoy, as Marcelino is fondly called by friends, executed two dance categories, the classic variation to Le Lac des Cygnes by Tchaikovsky and the “neumeier” variation of the beautiful song Yondering by 19^th century American composer Stephen Foster.

The 36^th International Competition for Young Dancers of the Prix de Lausanne was held at the Beaulieu Theatre in Lausanne, Switzerland from 30 January to 03 February 2008.  It is an international competition that awards talented 15- to 18-year old ballet students with training opportunities.

Aleix Martinez, a 15-year old Spaniard from Barcelona won the first prize.  Although Macoy did not receive any of the major prizes in the Prix, he made it to the finals.  Out of 184 contestants from different parts of the globe, only 74 were selected to join the semifinals.  Macoy made it with flying colors, as he was included among the 20 finalists.  The jury of the 2008 Prix de Lausanne was composed of celebrated artists and directors from Germany, Canada, Korea, France, Italy, Japan, Prague, Sweden, and Spain.

A reception was tendered after the programme and awarding ceremonies.  Macoy’s talent and potential as a fine ballet dancer caught the attention of three ballet academies in Hamburg, Anthwerp, and Zurich, which offered him three-year scholarships. END

/wingret