The Fonteyn International Ballet Competition

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.