FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13,2026-Tulsa Ballet Trainee Students Selected for Prestigious Prix de Lausanne Competition
Tulsa, OK — Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education (TBCDE) is proud to announce that two of its Trainee Program students, Gabriel Fabiani and Lukas Rueda, have been selected to compete in the Prix de Lausanne, one of the world’s most prestigious international ballet competitions. Out of 452 applicants representing 43 countries, only 81 dancers from 18 countries were chosen to compete this February in Lausanne, Switzerland, making this a remarkable achievement for both the students and the school.
Often referred to as the “Olympics of Ballet,” the Prix de Lausanne is globally recognized for identifying and supporting the next generation of professional dancers. Selection alone places Fabiani and Rueda among the most promising young ballet artists in the world.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have two students from Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education’s Trainee Program invited to participate in the Prix de Lausanne,” said TBCDE School Director, Lauren Richter. “This prestigious competition represents the highest level of excellence in classical ballet, and being selected is a remarkable achievement. It is a testament to our students’ dedication, artistry, and hard work, as well as the commitment of our faculty to providing world-class training.”
About Lukas Rueda
Born in 2008 and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Lukas Rueda began his dance training at age eleven at a local studio near his home. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, he was invited to train at Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet in Florida, where he competed at Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and Universal Ballet Competition (UBC), earning 1st and 2nd place awards. These successes led to multiple year-round training scholarships across the United States and Canada.
In 2022, Rueda joined the San Francisco Ballet School on a full scholarship, advancing from Level 6 to Level 7. In February 2024, he underwent successful surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee and fully recovered in time to complete his training.
Later that year, he accepted a position in the Tulsa Ballet Trainee Program, directed by Lauren Richter, drawn by the opportunity to gain increased stage experience performing both with fellow trainees and alongside Tulsa Ballet’s main and second companies. Currently training at the Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education, Rueda continues to expand his artistry through rigorous daily instruction, diverse repertoire, and professional performance opportunities. His selection for the Prix de Lausanne 2026 marks an important milestone in his developing professional career.
About Gabriel Fabiani
Gabriel Fabiani, 17, is from Parker, Colorado, and began dancing at age ten at a performing arts school, studying ballet alongside other dance styles. He later moved to Ballet Melange in Denver, where he trained in the Vaganova method for four years. Fabiani has competed in numerous international competitions, including YAGP, UBC, and ADCIBC, where he earned a scholarship to attend Tulsa Ballet’s Summer Intensive.
Following the intensive, Fabiani was offered a trainee position and has been training with Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education since August 2024. Now in his second season, he cites the company’s inspiring environment and exceptional artistry as key influences in his growth as a dancer.
“Tulsa Ballet truly feels like home,” Fabiani shared. “It’s an extremely motivating environment that pushes you toward excellence. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey, and I’m incredibly excited to take this next step and compete at the Prix de Lausanne.”
Fabiani and Rueda will represent Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education on an international stage this February, bringing global recognition to the school’s Trainee Program and its commitment to nurturing exceptional young artists.
Jessie Kenney
Content Creator
Email: Jessie.kenney@tulsaballet.org
Phone: (918) 396-5949
www.tulsaballet.org