The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition comes to London 22-29 October 2023!

[Royal Academy of Dance]

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is delighted to announce its annual flagship event The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition (The Fonteyn) comes to London from 22-29 October 2023, marking the first live, in-person The Fonteyn competition since the pandemic.  

 

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 competition has toured the globe and is dedicated to promoting dance, providing educational experiences and recognising excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. A launchpad for a professional career, The Fonteyn offers aspiring dancers the unique opportunity to work with world-renowned choreographers and professionals, as well as the chance to perform on an international stage.

 

Over 80 dancers will participate in this year’s week-long competition, which will take place in London. Coaching sessions delivered by renowned professionals begin the week, with the semi-finals held on 25-27 October at RAD’s stunning Aud Jebson Studio Theatre in its London HQ.

 

His Majesty’s Theatre will host the unmissable grand final on 29th October. All candidates will perform a newly choreographed piece created by The Fonteyn’s Guest Choreographer Valentino Zucchetti, First Soloist with The Royal Ballet.

 

The finalists will take to the historic His Majesty’s stage to each perform their Dancer’s Own variation and their chosen Classical Repertoire variation in front of a judging panel comprising Dame Darcey Bussell, Aaron Watkin Artistic Director of English National Ballet and Amanda Britton, Chief Executive, Principal and Artistic Director of Rambert School.

 

Finalists will compete for a chance to win the coveted Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and for the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award. A Choreographic Award is available to all candidates who have choreographed their own Dancer’s Own variation and will be selected at the semi-final.

 

In addition to the medals and cash prizes – and for the first time – all candidates will have the opportunity to be considered for a variety of tuition scholarship opportunities from renowned dance schools across the globe.

 

A key event in the global dance industry calendar, The Fonteyn 2023 will be a dazzling event for dance, arts and culture lovers and enthusiasts alike, with audience members coming together across the week to experience the joy and wonder of dance.

 

Lynn Wallis Producer of The Fonteyn 2023 and Artistic Director of RAD from 1994-2016 says: “On behalf of the Royal Academy of Dance, I am delighted that The Fonteyn is coming to London this October and cannot wait to welcome dancers from around the world to this magical competition. The Fonteyn is more than just a competition; it is a chance for young dancers to develop their dance practice, receive expert coaching, share a unique experience with their peers and make new friends. I am sure it will be a moment in their lives they will always remember.”

 

Dame Darcey Bussell, President of the RAD and a judge at this year’s competition says: “I am truly looking forward to seeing dancers from around the globe take to the stage to perform in this prestigious competition. Audiences – prepare to witness some of the best, upcoming talent in ballet when you come to The Fonteyn semi-finals and finals. It’ll be a wonderful event.”

 

Darrion Sellman previous Gold medalist and Prix De Lausanne dancer at the Royal Ballet says: "The Fonteyn was an invaluable experience which allowed me to grow as a dancer and artist. Winning the gold medal opened doors I never thought were possible, and granted me the opportunity to progress as a professional dancer."

 

Many past winners of the Genée and The Fonteyn have become professional dancers with companies worldwide. For many, their careers have been long and varied as directors, artistic directors, ballet masters, teachers, administrators, dance critics, choreographers, TV producers, and directors.

 

During the competition week from 22-29 October, numerous wraparound events will be taking place at the RAD for visitors, RAD teachers and dance lovers including:

 

-         The Fonteyn: Insights event with Dame Darcey Bussell on 23 October 7-8pm. Ideal for all dance enthusiasts, this will be an inspiring talk by Dame Darcey Bussell with Aaron Watkin, Artistic Director of the English National Ballet.

-         The Fonteyn: Creative Spaces from 23-27 October, a week-long course designed for dancers studying the RAD Intermediate, Adv Foundation, Adv 1 or Adv 2 syllabi.

-         (Re) Discovering the Karsavina Syllabus CPD Workshops on 23 October for RAD teachers.

-         The Bedells Bursary – Join the audience on 29 October for a show celebrating the talents of young ballet dancers.

 

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

 

WATCH this interview with Royal Ballet Principal Steven McRae, who talks about his time at the competition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q58TTJHyyz0

 

TICKET INFORMATION

 

The Fonteyn semi-finals

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Royal Academy of Dance 188 York Road London SW11 3JZ

Price: Single day ticket £23 per day. Three-day ticket £63

Booking link: https://www.thefonteyn.org/tickets

Only one ticket per day can be purchased at a time. Seating is unreserved.

 

The Fonteyn final

Date: 29 October

Location: His Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, St. James's, London SW1Y 4QL

Price: £15-£75

Booking link: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/international-ballet-competition-2023/

[Peanut68]

Didn't the Genee used to be held in September? or even May?

[bridiem]

5 minutes ago, Peanut68 said:

Didn't the Genee used to be held in September? or even May?

 

I used to go the final until the late 1990s, and at that time it was always on the first Sunday in January.

[Pas de Quatre]

The only time I went, 2009 I think, it was mid November.

[Sophoife]

What really amuses me is that when they had to come up with a suitable-sounding international ballet competition for the Aussie TV "teen drama" Dance Academy, they couldn't use an existing one, so called their Genée-copy comp "The Fonteyn" 😂

 

There must be some fans at the RAD.

[DD Driver]

I'm sure it will be a great event!

Not so many Australians this year I expect.  The cost of travel and accommodation is so high. 

Also the Entry fee was 500 pounds plus a year's RAD membership (even though the students have now completed training unless going for Solo Seal).

These costs surprised me as I would have thought more effort would be made to encourage participation, given these students have gone through so many years of RAD training & fees.

[Jane S]

The final is being shown live on medici.TV - subscription needed.

[Emeralds]

I’m a massive fan of Fonteyn (despite never having been able to see her dance on stage) but I still like the old name Genée Competition or Adeline Genée Competition- everyone who needed to know, knew what it was. 

[Jan McNulty]

13 of the semi-finalists are from Australia:

 

http://www.danceaustralia.com.au/news/13-australian-semi-finalists-in-the-fonteyn-2023

[Jan McNulty]

More information from RAD:

 

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 27/10/23

 

Royal Academy of Dance announces finalists of the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023

 

 

Image credit: Martin Bell.

 

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) announces the finalists of the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023.

 

79 candidates from 15 countries across the world took part in The Fonteyn semi-finals this week, with 12 finalists making it through to compete in The Fonteyn 2023 final to be held at His Majesty’s Theatre, London on Sunday 29 October.

 

2023 the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition finalists:

• Oliva Moulsdale, British dancer aged 17, trained by Nicola Simpson and Ruth Mair Howard-Jones

• Ben Moss, Australian dancer aged 18, trained by Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie

• Alicia Wong, Australian dancer aged 16, trained by Julie Fleming, Janne Blanche and Kynan Jones

• Mandy Kwan, British dancer aged 18, trained by Denise Whiteman

• Antonia Maria Cramb, British dancer aged 17, trained by Kerry Livingstone, Trisha Meenaghan-Wackrow, Fabrice Maufrais and Louisa Ross

• Lucia Moore, New Zealander dancer aged 15, trained by Annette Roselli, Shane Wuerthner and Mirander Zeller

• Jakob Wheway Hughes, British dancer aged 16, trained by Dance Faculty of Tring Park School for the Performing Arts

• Samantha Wong, Australian dancer aged 19, trained by Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie

• Ava Eie, New Zealander dancer aged 16, trained by Melinda Palmer and Nicci Theis Mckewen

• Indira Mayrani, Indonesian dancer aged 19, trained by Fifi Sijangga

• Zai Calliste, Australian/British/Caribbean dancer aged 18, trained by Annette Roselli, Michael Berkin, David Yow and Jane Pirani

• Ed Cooley, Australian dancer aged 17, trained by Daniella Crismani, Daniel Gaudiello, Karen Donovan and Wim Broeckx.

 

Dancer’s Own Choreographic Award which was available to all candidates who choreographed their own Dancer’s Own variation was selected at the semi-finals. Alfie-Lee Hall, British dancer, aged 17, trained by Denise Whiteman, won this award for his choreography, The One.

 

After three coaching days and semi-finals, judged by a panel comprising Dame Darcey Bussell, RAD President and Guest Principal Coach of The Royal Ballet, Aaron Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet and Amanda Britton, Chief Executive, Principal and Artistic Director of Rambert School, the finalists will now compete for a chance to win the coveted Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, and for the Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award.

 

At the final all candidates will perform a newly choreographed piece Jeunesse created by The Fonteyn’s Guest Choreographer Valentino Zucchetti, First Soloist with The Royal Ballet.

 

In addition to the medals and cash prizes – and for the first time – all candidates will have the opportunity to be considered for a variety of tuition scholarship opportunities from renowned dance schools across the globe.

 

A key event in the global dance industry calendar, The Fonteyn 2023 final will be a dazzling event for dance, arts and culture lovers and enthusiasts alike, with audience members coming together across the week to experience the joy and wonder of dance. As well as the finalists taking to the stage, audiences can expect to see a solo performance by The Royal Ballet dancer Caspar Lench who will be performing Takademe by Alvin Ailey Artistic Director and choreographer Robert Battle.

 

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 competition has toured the globe and is dedicated to promoting dance, providing educational experiences and recognising excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. A launchpad for a professional career, The Fonteyn offers aspiring dancers the unique opportunity to work with world-renowned choreographers and professionals, as well as the chance to perform on an international stage.

 

Many past winners of the Genée and The Fonteyn have become professional dancers with companies worldwide. For many, their careers have been long and varied as directors, artistic directors, ballet masters, teachers, administrators, dance critics, choreographers, TV producers, and directors.

23 - 27 October 202

TICKET INFORMATION

 

The Fonteyn final

Date: 29 October

Location: His Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, St. James's, London SW1Y 4QL

Price: £15-£75

Booking link: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/international-ballet-competition-2023/

 

WATCH The Fonteyn 2023 Livestream via Medici TV from anywhere in the world here: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/watch-the-fonteyn-from-around-the-world/

 

With thanks to our partners Freed of London, Harlequin Floors, The Londoner and Diptyque.

 

                                                  

Notes to Editors

 

About the Royal Academy of Dance

 

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the most influential dance education and training organisations in the world with a strong global membership in 85 countries. Established in 1920 to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the Academy and each year the examination

syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take RAD exams.

[Sophoife]

I'm so pleased a boy who's had some coaching from Daniel Gaudiello has made the final. 

 

Makes a change for Dan from choreographing The Red Shoes: Next Step 😂 

[Doing Dance 1]

I see both the Fonteyn Gold medal & Phyllis Bedell winners are both currently at Tring Park School.

That’s quite the success story! 

 

Edited October 30, 2023 by Doing Dance 1

[Jan McNulty]

 

 

For immediate release

 

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 29/10/23

Royal Academy of Dance announces winners of the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023

Rising ballet star Jakob Wheway Hughes won the coveted gold medal at one of the world’s most prestigious dance events

 

 

 

Image credit: Martin Bell

 

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is pleased to announce the medallists of the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023 final at His Majesty’s Theatre in London. The Fonteyn competition is the pinnacle for young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus, with previous medallists including the likes of Royal Ballet principal dancers Steven McRae and Francesca Hayward.

 

After a week of intensive coaching and semi-finals, the coveted gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to:

 

• Gold: Jakob Wheway Hughes aged 16 from Britain trained by Dance Faculty of Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. Rising star Jakob won the RAD’s Bedell’s Bursary in 2022 and the Barbara Geoghegan award in the Cecchetti Society Trust 2022-23
• Silver: Lucia Moore aged 15 from New Zealand trained by Annette Roselli, Shane Wuerthner and Miranda Zeller
• Bronze: Ed Cooley aged 17 from Australia trained by Daniella Crismani, Daniel Gaudiello, Karen Donovan and Wim Broeckx and Zai Calliste aged 18 from Australia/Britain/Caribbean trained by Annette Roselli, Michael Berkin, David Yow and Jane Pirani.

 

Zai Calliste was the recipient of the Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award.

 

The Fonteyn 2023 (previously known as The Genée) returned to London for the first in-person event since the pandemic. This week-long competition attracted 79 candidates, who each took part in coaching sessions by Endalyn Taylor, David Nixon and Sarah Wildor, and semi-finals judged by a panel comprising Dame Darcey Bussell, President of the RAD, Aaron Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet and Amanda Britton, Chief Executive, Principal and Artistic Director of Rambert School.

 

After the semi-finals which took place at RAD’s state-of-the-art Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, the finalists competed for a chance to win the coveted Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and for the Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award.

 

Dancer’s Own Choreographic Award which was available to all candidates who choreographed their own Dancer’s Own variation was selected at the semi-finals. Alfie-Lee Hall, British dancer, aged 17, trained by Denise Whiteman, won this award for his choreography, The One.

 

At the event all candidates performed a newly choreographed ensemble Jeunesse created by The Fonteyn’s Guest Choreographer Valentino Zucchetti, First Soloist with The Royal Ballet, a piece they learnt earlier in the competition.

 

In addition to the medals and cash prizes – and for the first time – all candidates have been considered for a variety of tuition scholarship opportunities from renowned dance schools across the globe. Scholarships will be awarded in due course.

Tim Arthur Chief Executive of the RAD said: Tim Arthur Chief Executive of the RAD said: “On behalf of the RAD, congratulations to all the candidates who took part in The Fonteyn. The Fonteyn is always such a special event for the candidates, their families and teachers, our staff and RAD members right across the globe, and this year was no exception. I would also like to thank The Fonteyn coaches, David Nixon, Endalyn Taylor and Sarah Wildor, for imparting such valuable advice to all our candidates this week. Also a special thanks to our judges Dame Darcey Bussell, Amanda Britton and Aaron Watkin and our wonderful producer Lynn Wallis.”

Lynn Wallis Producer of The Fonteyn said: “Congratulations to all the candidates. It’s been a pleasure to welcome so many dancers from around the world. I do hope that they have made memories that they will cherish forever.”

Dame Darcey Bussell, President of the RAD said: “Congratulations to everyone that took part in The Fonteyn 2023 competition. What a joy it was to watch some of the best young ballet dancers trained in the RAD syllabus from around the world come together for such a wonderful week of dance. Special congratulations go to the medalists for winning the coveted Fonteyn medals.”

Amanda Britton Chief Executive, Principal and Artistic Director of Rambert School said: “It’s been a true honour to be a judge of this year’s competition. Congratulations to the medalists and all the candidates who took part in what was an outstanding showcase of ballet.”

23 - 27 October 202

As well as the finalists taking to the stage, audiences saw a solo performance by The Royal Ballet dancer Caspar Lench who performed Takademe by Alvin Ailey Artistic Director and choreographer Robert Battle.

 

The Bedell’s Bursary winner

 

The Fonteyn finalists were not the only young dancers who took to the stage on Sunday evening. At the RAD’s state-of-the-art Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, dancers participated in The Bedell’s Bursary. The winner was India Kennedy, a British young dancer training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.

 

22 young dancers took part in this competition where candidates were judged by Ashley Shaw and Ibrahim Önal on a non-syllabus ballet class, a classical variation and a variation choreographed by themselves. In recognition of the huge importance of nurturing and providing opportunities for creativity in young dancers, this year’s Choreographic Award was presented to Noa Ng, a Maltese dancer training at Incite Motion School of Dance. This award was made possible thanks to a bequest from the estate of the late Dr Ivor Guest.

 

Recognising young dancers’ excellence in artistic and technical achievement and providing opportunities for creativity, the bursary is named in honour of Phyllis Bedells, a founder member and Vice-President of the RAD. The bursary, supported by the Mary Kipps Bequest, has a value of £1,000 to be used to further the winner's training. This event is a global competition, open to members of the RAD who are 17 years of age and under, and have passed the RAD Advanced 1 Examination (with Distinction).

 

With thanks to our partners Freed of London, Harlequin Floors, The Londoner and Diptyque.

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

About the Royal Academy of Dance

 

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the most influential dance education and training organisations in the world with a strong global membership in 85 countries. Established in 1920 to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the Academy and each year the examination

syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take RAD exams.

 

About The Fonteyn

  

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 competition has toured the globe and is dedicated to promoting dance, providing educational experiences and recognising excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. A launchpad for a professional career, The Fonteyn offers aspiring dancers the unique opportunity to work with world-renowned choreographers and professionals, as well as the chance to perform on an international stage.

 

Many past winners of the Genée and The Fonteyn have become professional dancers with companies worldwide. For many, their careers have been long and varied as directors, artistic directors, ballet masters, teachers, administrators, dance critics, choreographers, TV producers, and directors.

[Fonty]

Very well done to all the participants.  I can't help thinking that I preferred the old title for the competition, though.  

 

Good heavens, that is a rather short skirt Darcey Bussell is wearing.  And those heels.  Makes my eyes water just looking at them!

[Sophoife]

If it's named after Phyllis Bedells, why do they keep calling it the Bedell's Bursary?

 

🙄

 

#NitPickersNotSoAnonymous 😉

 

Dan Gaudiello very very pleased with Ed Cooley's bronze medal.

[Emeralds]

1 hour ago, Sophoife said:

If it's named after Phyllis Bedells, why do they keep calling it the Bedell's Bursary?

 

🙄

 

#NitPickersNotSoAnonymous 😉

 

Dan Gaudiello very very pleased with Ed Cooley's bronze medal.

Yes, the correct wording should be Bedells Bursary or Phyllis Bedells Bursary. If it was funded by her, Bedells' Bursary is OK too, but I think it was named after her rather than funded by her, so there should be no apostrophe. Nitpicking is correct as the correct naming tells us about a) the right person, b) the artistry and other qualities of the dancer we want to remember. If it was funded by a bank or automobile firm and named after the business, we don't need to remember if they danced of course. 😉

[Emeralds]

Congratulations to all the laureates and participants! I think it takes a lot of guts and hard work to be able to prepare and travel to the competition (admittedly less stressful if you live in the country where the competition is happening that year), and to put yourself in front of judges, so kudos to all of them. 

[Sophoife]

I said to Mr. G. that having watched the stream I was awfully glad I hadn't been asked to judge (as if!!) 🤣

 

He said that "judging is so hard when it's at that high level" and that the winner was "very refined".

[Geoff]

Beginners question: number 4 was my pick last night, is that Lucia Moore?

[Bluebird]

48 minutes ago, Geoff said:

Beginners question: number 4 was my pick last night, is that Lucia Moore?

Yes. Number 4 was Lucia Moore.

[Dancers Dad]

4 hours ago, Emeralds said:

Congratulations to all the laureates and participants! I think it takes a lot of guts and hard work to be able to prepare and travel to the competition (admittedly less stressful if you live in the country where the competition is happening that year), and to put yourself in front of judges, so kudos to all of them. 

 

I absolutely agree with this. Having watched some of the semi-finals, where they have about a minute (x2) completely out there on their own on stage to impress the judges, it's absolutely all-or-nothing. And to their credit, everyone I saw was fantastic. Such determination and poise. Then to perform in a theatre like His Majesty's to a packed crowd - amazing from the finalists and also from every single one of them in the choreography piece that far exceeded my expectations: a whole new piece for 80 dancers, learned in a week and delivered beautifully. An incredible event all round.