The winners of The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2024
Alfie-Lee Hall
Age: 18
Nationality: British
Antonia Maria Cramb
Age: 18
Nationality: British
Bronze medal
Gold medal
Christie Anderson
Age: 20
Nationality: British
Musicality Award
Lydia Hough
Age: 18
Nationality: British
Silver medal
Ernesto Young
Age: 17
Nationality: Australian
Bronze medal
Ernesto Young
Age: 17
Nationality: Australian
Dancer’s Own Choreographic Award
Lydia Hough
Age: 18
Nationality: British
Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award
A night of artistry and emotion, in the heart of London
Every year, The Fonteyn competition brings the magic of dance to a new corner of the world, and in 2024, it returned to its roots in London. Once known as the Genée, this prestigious event has evolved, but its spirit remains the same—celebrating the incredible talent and dedication of young dancers from around the globe.
This year’s competition was nothing short of inspiring. Throughout the week, 64 dedicated dancers gave their all in coaching sessions with some of the industry's finest: Alexander Campbell, Isabel McMeekan, Samira Saidi, Justine Berry, and Darren Parish. The semi-finals, held at RAD’s Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, were a true showcase of artistry and potential, judged by an esteemed panel including Dame Darcey Bussell, President of the RAD and Guest Principal Coach of The Royal Ballet; Alessandra Ferri, soon-to-be Artistic Director of the Wiener Staatsballett; and José Alves, a renowned freelance dancer and former Leading Artist of Ballet Black.
The journey didn’t end there. The 12 finalists, who captivated audiences and judges alike, moved on to the grand stage of His Majesty's Theatre in London's West End. Here, they vied for the prestigious gold, silver, and bronze medals, and other awards. The finals were judged by Dame Darcey Bussell and Alessandra Ferri, and this time joined by Kevin O'Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet.
But The Fonteyn is about more than just medals. Every participant was also in the running for coveted tuition scholarships at world-renowned dance schools, opening doors to the future of their dreams.
At the final, finalists performed Classical Repertoire Variations and their ‘Dancer’s Own’, a choreographed solo created by themselves, their teacher, or a peer, to a piece of music of their choice. Finalists also performed newly choreographed commissioned variations created by The Fonteyn 2024 commissioned choreographer, Andrew McNicol, a freelance British choreographer and founding Artistic Director of McNicol Ballet Collective. Dancers performed either the Holberg Variation or Granados Variation.
As well as The Fonteyn finalists taking to the stage, audiences were treated to a performance from Northern Ballet dancers Harris Beattie and Saeka Shirai will perform an iconic pas de deux from Northern Ballet’s production of Romeo & Juliet.
Take a look at the gallery below for some of the night's highlights.
Photo: Martin Bell
Congratulations!
"Congratulations to all The Fonteyn 2024 medallists and candidates. It’s been a true pleasure watching you grow throughout the week, and we hope that you have made memories to be treasured forever.
We would also like to send our warmest thanks to The Fonteyn 2024 esteemed judging panel, faculty and producer Lynn Wallis for joining us this week. Thank you for sharing your expertise and for supporting and inspiring all the candidates"
Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director of the RAD
Watch the livestream recording
Could not make it to London in person? You can watch the final from the comfort of your home and relive the emotions of the night, wherever you are.
You can enjoy the recording for free for seven days after the final. It will then be available on a pay-per-view basis. Follow the link below and create a free account.
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.
Gold
£5,000
Silver
£3,000
Bronze
£2,000
Choreographic £250
Audience Choice
£250
Musicality
£250
Corporate Partners
Supporters
The Dame
Margot Fonteyn Scholarship Fund
Live Stream Partner
