The Fonteyn is one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. It offers the chance to work with world-renowned choreographers and professionals, as well as to perform on an international stage.
Candidate applications are now closed.
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 15-19 years by 31 May 2024;
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be of non-professional status and not have been employed on a professional contract.
Fees
There is a total of £550 to compete in The Fonteyn:
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£50 registration fee (non-refundable) to be paid when you apply.
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£500 entry fee, due by closing date (31 May 2024)
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 from Sunday 1-3 September 2024 at RAD headquarters in London.
The semi-finals will be held at the Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, at RAD headquarters, on 4-6 September 2024.
The final will be held at His Majesty's Theatre in London on the evening of Sunday 8 September 2024.
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 are awarded 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. In addition to the above medals, a Choreographic Award and the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award, and a new Musicality Award will also be awarded. Please see the Candidate Information for more information on Prizes and Awards.
Gold
£5,000
Silver
£3,000
Bronze
£2,000
Choreographic £250
Audience Choice
£250
Musicality
£250
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 31 May 2024. 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 £50 registration fee (non-refundable), plus £500 entry fee (a total of £550) to compete in The Fonteyn. After submitting your application, you will be taken to a different page to pay your registration fee of £50. The remaining balance of £500 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.
"Participating in the Fonteyn has undoubtedly been a highlight of my life. The Fonteyn is a great opportunity to be seen by people of the ballet industry and from this eye opening experience, I have gained so much knowledge from world renowned choreographers and professionals as well as the inspiring candidates of the Fonteyn. I am very honoured and humbled to now be a part of such a treasured legacy and seeing the past successes of so many dancers involved in this competition, this has continued to motivate me for the years to come in my dance career."
Milei Lee, Silver Medal 2021
Your West End debut
This year candidates will once again have the chance to dance at the historic His Majesty’s Theatre, home of the Genée International Ballet Competition for seven years between 1992 and 2001.
Don't miss your opportunity to perform on one of the most iconic stages in the heart of London.
photo: Blake Ezra
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?
Three days of intensive coaching at RAD headquarters in Battersea, London.
In 2024, there will be three 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 15 – 19 years by Friday 31 May 2024 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 £45/€54 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 TheFonteyn24 on their RAD Member Plus application form up until 30 June 2024 (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 - £5,000
Silver - £3,000
Bronze - £2,000
Choreographic Award - £250
Audience Choice Award - £250
Musicality Award - £250
When is the latest date that a student can take an Advanced 2 exam in order to enter The Fonteyn 2024?
A student must have taken the Advanced 2 exam before the 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.
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 the end of April 2024.
Where and when does The Fonteyn take place?
Classes and coaching sessions will take place from Sunday 1 to Tuesday 3 September at RAD headquarters, 188 York Road, London, SW11 3JZ. Times will vary each day, and candidates will be provided with a timetable at the welcome reception on Saturday 31 August.
The semi-finals will be held at the Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, at RAD headquarters from Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 September starting at 10.30am.
The final will be held at His Majesty’s Theatre, London, on the evening of Sunday 8 September.
What does a student need to enter?
• Evidence of qualifications.
• A short biography (of no more than 60 words).
• A headshot – supplied as a JPG only (see example below).
• 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 Solo, we will need signed confirmation from the candidate’s teacher to confirm this.
Applications should be completed via the online application form available from 1 March.
Do international students need to arrange a Visa to enter?
You may need a visa to travel to the United Kingdom. To check if this is necessary, visit: How to apply for a visa to come to the UK: Choose a visa - GOV.UK.
When is the closing date for entry?
The closing date for applications is Friday 31 May 2024 at 18:00 (UK time).
How will a student know if their entry has been accepted?
Candidates will be notified on Monday 10 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, 2024.
How will a student know if their entry has been accepted?
The fees for 2024 are: £50.00 Registration fee plus £500.00 entry fee.
Total: £550.
What does the entry fee include?
• Three days of world-class tuition.
• Semi-finals performance opportunities at RAD global headquarters before a live audience and distinguished judging panel.
• For finalists, the opportunity to perform before a live audience and distinguished judging panel at a theatre in London’s West-End.
• For non-finalists: a ticket to watch the final.
• Access for all candidates to a welcome reception on 31 August 2024.
• Lunch (provided 1 - 8 September 2024).
• 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 are available from the RAD to support applicants. These will be offered to up to 20 candidates, with awards between £550 - £1550.
Each bursary is designed to contribute to one or more of the following:
• Participation fee for The Fonteyn.
• Candidate accommodation and food costs for the competition.
• Equipment, costume, dancewear, and other sundry costs.
• Costs of travel to and from the competition.
I don’t know London very well, can you recommend suitable accommodation options?
Yes we will share suitable accommodation options in the Candidate Information pack which will be available at a later date, on our website.
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.
Corporate Partners
Supporters
The Dame
Margot Fonteyn Scholarship Fund
Live Stream Partner
