Today the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) announces that its annual flagship event The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition (The Fonteyn) will take place in London from 1-8 September 2024.
The Fonteyn (previously known as The Genée) is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, representing the pinnacle of achievement for young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus. Beginning in 1931, The Fonteyn is dedicated to promoting dance, providing educational experiences and recognising excellence in young ballet dancers internationally.
Over 70 dancers from countries around the globe will participate in The Fonteyn 2024. Coaching sessions delivered by renowned professionals begin the week, with the semi-finals held on 4-6 September at RAD’s stunning Aud Jebson Studio Theatre in its London HQ. The Fonteyn grand final will be held at His Majesty’s Theatre, London on 8 September.
RAD’s Artistic Director Alexander Campbell and The Fonteyn Producer Lynn Wallis said: “We look forward to welcoming students from around the world to participate in this year’s Fonteyn. We aim to provide an exceptional experience for our candidates by offering coaching and support from a distinguished faculty as well as performance opportunities throughout the competition.”
The Fonteyn’s esteemed judging panel includes Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, Alessandra Ferri OMRI and Kevin O’Hare CBE (judging the final only). José Alves will judge the semi-finals, with Dame Monica Mason DBE and Ashley Page OBE judging the Musicality and Choreographic Awards generously supported by supported by the Lynn Wallis Bursary Fund. The Musicality Award is being introduced for the first time in the competition’s history.
The competition’s faculty who will be teaching the candidates during The Fonteyn are RAD’s Artistic Director Alexander Campbell, Christopher Powney, Isabel McMeekan and Samira Saidi. This year’s commissioned choreographer is Andrew McNicol.
At The Fonteyn, candidates will compete for a chance to win the coveted Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and for the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award, Choreographic Award and Musicality Award.
In addition to the medals and cash prizes all candidates will have the opportunity to be considered for a variety of tuition scholarship opportunities from renowned dance schools across the globe.
To find out more about The Fonteyn and to secure your place at the final and semi-final events visit: https://www.thefonteyn.org/tickets
