Candidate applications are open until 19 May 2025.
The Fonteyn is one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. It offers the chance to work with renowned choreographers and professionals, as well as to perform on an international stage for a chance to win a prize, or being offered a scholarship by world-class dance institutions.
To take part in The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Membership
Must be a member of the RAD. Click here to view our membership options.
Exams
Have passed the RAD Advanced 2 exam with distinction or high distinction.
Age
Be at least 15 years old and under 19 years old by 19 May 2025.
Employment
Be of non-professional status and not have been employed on a professional contract.
Potential candidates with nationalities from or those currently residing and training within Latin America, please click here for more information on how to enter RAD Advanced 2 exam.
Take part in The Fonteyn
If you meet all the requirements and wish to apply to enter the competition, please complete the form below and submit before 19 May 2025, 18:00 (UK time). Please read the Candidate Information carefully and make sure you have all the details and documents you need, before submitting your application.
There is a £100 registration fee (non-refundable), plus £900 entry fee (a total of £1,000) to compete in The Fonteyn. After submitting your application, you will be taken to a different page to pay your registration fee of £100. The remaining balance of £900 will be due by the closing date. Failure to make payment will result in your application being deemed incomplete.
We suggest using a laptop or desktop to complete your application. If you need any help completing this form, please contact us.
Candidates
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Must be a member of the Royal Academy of Dance;
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have passed RAD Advanced 2 with distinction;
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be aged between 15 and under 19 years by 19 May 2025;
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be of non-professional status and not have been employed on a professional contract.
Fees
There is a total of £1000 to compete in The Fonteyn:
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£100 registration fee (non-refundable) to be paid when you apply.
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£900 entry fee, due by closing date (19 may 2025)
If you are considering applying but would need financial support to do so, please send an email to bursaries@rad.org.uk
Venues
The Fonteyn classes and coaching sessions will take place at Estudio de Ballet Cisne Negro on 12-15 October 2025 , after a welcome reception on Saturday 11 October 2025.
The semi-finals will be held at the Ibirapuera Auditorium in São Paulo on 16-17 October 2025.
The final will be held at Ibirapuera Auditorium on the evening of Sunday 19 October 2025.
Repertoire
Semi-finals consist in a judged class on stage, performing one variation from the Classical Repertoire list. Candidates also perform a ‘Dancers Own’ piece.
During the coaching, candidates will also work with a top choreographer on a variation commissioned for this year’s competition. The finalists will perform this at the final, where it will have its’ premiere.
Prizes
As well as gaining the unique experience of participating in this world-renowned dance competition, prize money will be awarded to medallists. Medals and awards are offered to candidates showing the highest levels of competency in the stated criteria. The judges’ decision is final. The Genée Gold Medal is only awarded when a candidate demonstrates exceptional technical skills, an innate response to music, outstanding performance qualities and charisma.
Gold
£5,000
(BR$ 38,000)
Silver
£3,000
(BR$ 23,000)
Bronze
£2,000
(BR$ 15,000)
Choreographic £250
(BR$1,900)
Audience Choice
£250
(BR$1,900)
Musicality
£250
(BR$1,900)
Our Latin America debut
This year candidates will have the chance to dance at the iconic Ibirapuera Auditorium, a venue used for cultural activities and musical shows and even hosted the Latin Grammy Awards in 2008.
Don't miss your opportunity to perform on one of the most iconic stages in the heart of São Paulo.
photo: Urbia Parques
"The 2024 Fonteyn Competition was an unforgettable experience. Getting coached from such incredible teachers and being able to perform in front of the prestigious judges was truly humbling. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for the friendships I’ve made—they’re friendships for life. Being one of the 12 finalists and performing at His Majesty’s Theatre was surreal, and I’ll carry that feeling with me forever. I’ve grown so much from this journey, and I’m so excited for the dancers who will get to experience it in the future!"
Elisha Tan, finalist 2024
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FAQ
What is the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition?
The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition (The Fonteyn) promotes and rewards excellence in young ballet dancers. Aspiring dancers are given the unique opportunity to work with renowned choreographers and professionals, as well as the chance to perform on an international stage.
Who is the competition for?
The Fonteyn represents the pinnacle of achievement for young people trained in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus. It is for all dancers from around the world who have achieved RAD Advanced 2 (with Distinction).
How does the competition work – what is involved?
The Fonteyn classes and coaching sessions will take place from Sunday 12 October to Sunday 19 October in São Paulo, Brazil with coaching held at Estudio de Ballet Cisne Negro, and semi-finals and final at Auditório Ibirapuera.
In 2025, there will be two days of semi-finals where candidates take part in a judged class on stage, performing one variation from the Classical Repertoire list. When candidates are not on stage, they receive further coaching in the studios.
Candidates also perform a ‘Dancers Own’ piece – a newly choreographed solo between 1 minute and 1 minute 30 seconds in length, created by themselves, their teacher, or a peer, to a piece of music of their choice.
During the coaching, candidates will also work with a top choreographer on a variation commissioned for this year’s competition. The finalists will perform this at the final, where it will have its’ premiere.
Who can enter The Fonteyn?
The competition is open to dancers who are current members of the RAD and have achieved Advanced 2 (with Distinction). Evidence is required.
Candidates must be aged between 15 and under 19 years by Friday 19 May 2025 and be of non-professional status. They must not have been employed on a professional contract prior to participation, however students who have been offered a professional engagement that begins after the competition will still be eligible to enter.
How can my student become an RAD member?
Students who have passed Intermediate Foundation are eligible to become an RAD Member Plus. Students can join via the RAD website from as little as £47/€56 and will receive a range of additional benefits including exclusive member offers and discounts, discounted prices at the RAD shop, an invitation to an exciting new season of member events, access to our member only publication Dance Gazette and relevant communications and resources. Those who have passed Advanced 2 and are an active RAD member also get to use the post nominal ARAD to signify their commitment and hard work.
Applicants can use code TheFonteyn25 on their RAD Member Plus application form up until 19 May 2025 (in line with The Fonteyn applications closing) to gain 10% off their membership subscription.
Can dancers enter if they are training at a vocational dance school?
Yes. Dancers training at a vocational dance school may enter as long as they meet the criteria above.
How will The Fonteyn help a student?
Taking part in The Fonteyn can often launch a student’s professional career. They have access to coaching from industry-leading teachers and connect with peers from across with world, often forming lifelong friendships.
What do the medallists win?
As well as gaining the unique experience of participating in this world-renowned dance competition, prize money will be awarded to medallists as follows:
Gold medal - £5,000 / BR$ 38,000
Silver medal - £3,000 / BR$ 23,000
Bronze medal - £2,000 / BR$ 15,000
Choreographic Award - £250 / BR$1,900
Audience Choice Award - £250 / BR$1,900
Musicality Award - £250 / BR$1,900
When is the latest date that a student can take an Advanced 2 exam in order to enter The Fonteyn 2025?
A student must have taken the Advanced 2 exam before the application closing date. Candidates who are waiting for their Advanced 2 result must still complete an application form to be submitted by the closing date. They will be asked for information about their exam in the application.
Please check with your regional or country office to find out when the exam sessions for Advanced 2 are scheduled.
Special consideration is available for candidates from or living in Latin America.
Can a student submit a filmed exam for Advanced 2?
Yes, you can submit a filmed exam for Advanced 2. We would require this to be submitted by 18 April 2025.
Where and when does The Fonteyn take place?
Classes and coaching sessions will take place at Estudio de Ballet Cisne Negro. Times will vary each day, and candidates will be provided with a timetable at the welcome reception on 11 October.
The semi-finals will be held at the Auditório Ibirapuera across Thursday 16 to Friday 17 October.
The final will be held at Auditório Ibirapuera, on the evening of Sunday 19 October.
What does a student need to enter?
• Evidence of qualifications.
• A short biography (of no more than 60 words).
• A high-resolution headshot in colour – supplied as a JPG only (1000 pixels wide x 1500 pixels high minimum and 300dpi minimum).
• Music for their Dancer’s Own Variation – supplied as .WAV file.
• A completed press and publicity permission form.
• If the candidate has choreographed their Dancer’s Own Variation, we will need signed confirmation from the candidate’s teacher to confirm this.
Applications should be completed via the online application form available on this page from 10 February to 19 May 2025.
Do international students need to arrange a Visa to enter?
You may need a visa to travel to São Paulo. Please ensure you check with your local government or authority. Please also check any stipulations regarding passport expiry date.
When is the closing date for entry?
The closing date for applications is Friday 19 May 2025 at 18:00 (UK time).
How will a student know if their entry has been accepted?
Candidates will be notified on Monday 2 June at 18.00 (UK time) whether or not they have secured a place. It is only on receipt of this confirmation that you will know whether you will be competing at The Fonteyn, 2025.
How much is the entry fee to participate in The Fonteyn?
The fees for 2025 are: £100 - Registration fee plus £900 entry fee. Total: £1,000.
What does the entry fee include?
• World-class tuition,
• Semi-finals performance opportunities at Estudio de Ballet Cisne Negro before a live audience and distinguished judging panel,
• For finalists, the opportunity to perform before a live audience and distinguished judging panel at the Auditório Ibirapuera,
• For non-finalists: a ticket to watch the final,
• Access for all candidates to a welcome reception on 11 October 2025,
• Accommodation,
• Travel to and from venues,
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (provided 12-19 October 2025),
• Administrative costs (required e.g. permission for use of Dancer’s Own music related to live performances),
• Pastoral care throughout the competition (provided by RAD on-site chaperones).
What time do coaching sessions start? What happens if I’m late?
We will share the coaching timetable with candidates closer to the start of the competition week. We expect all candidates to be punctual and to be prepared and ready to start classes on time. If you are going to be late, you will be expected to let your Chaperone know.
Is there any financial support available to applicants?
Bursaries will be available from the RAD to support applicants.
Will accommodation be available for candidates?
Accommodation for all candidates will be provided by the Royal Academy of Dance. Details will be shared at a later date.
Students don’t speak good English – will that be a problem?
Not at all. Each year students from all over the world take part in The Fonteyn, This makes it a truly international experience, with candidates speaking many different languages.
Who will the judges and coaches be?
Judges and coaches will be announced at a later date.
Can teachers and parents watch the candidates take part in The Fonteyn?
Yes. Parents and teachers will be able to buy tickets to the semi-final and finals to see their candidates perform. Ticketing information will be available at a later date.