About The Fonteyn
The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition is the Royal Academy of Dance's flagship annual event and it's one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, attracting the finest young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus, from around the globe.
The competition is dedicated to promoting and rewarding standards of excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. This is achieved by offering candidates the unique opportunity to work with world-renowned choreographers and professionals, as well as the chance to perform on an international stage.
Watch the livestream from around the world
Watch the recording of the final from the comfort of your home. For the second year Medici.tv brings the emotions of the night, right to your screen, letting you enjoy the performers' artistry wherever you are.
And the best part? 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.
Shop The Fonteyn 2024 collection
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the competition with our exclusive merchandise collection, designed with love to keep the memories alive long after the event has ended.
Celebrate this year's competition with our exclusive merchandise collection, including the 2024 Programme and a selection of limited edition items that capture the essence of this prestigious event. The Fonteyn T-shirts are available to purchase in-store and online. Choose from two designs, in black or white, available in adult and children sizes. Tote bags are also available for £7.95.
History
The competition started in 1931, when the Adeline Genée Gold Medal was awarded to Felicity Garratt, and became known as ‘the Genée’. In May 2019, the RAD renamed the 'Genée' to 'The Fonteyn' in honour of our longest-serving president, Dame Margot Fonteyn. We continue to honour our first president with the Adeline Genée Gold Medal for the best 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.
“The Fonteyn is such a special event loved by so many people across the international dance industry. Each year we bring together dancers from around the globe for a week of dance that they’ll remember and cherish forever. We’re delighted to be putting on this event in London this year and look forward to creating even more Fonteyn memories.”
Tim Arthur, Chief Executive of the RAD
RAD Headquarters
The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition coaching and semi-finals are held at the RAD global headquarters in London. Our facilities include seven studios, the beautiful Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, the Wolfson Library, and an archive housing and displaying our collection of over 75,000 dance and RAD-related objects.
Support
The Fonteyn
The RAD is only able to present the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition with the support of generous sponsors and donors, as well as the vital income coming from ticket sales and competitor fees.
We need support to enable us to offer The Fonteyn to the talented ballet stars of tomorrow. If you are interested in becoming a supporter or sponsor of The Fonteyn, please get in touch by emailing development@rad.org.uk.
Corporate Partners
Supporters
The Dame
Margot Fonteyn Scholarship Fund
Live Stream Partner
If you are interested in sponsoring The Fonteyn, please be in touch with us via email.
PHOTO CREDITS - Ezra Blake - GBL Wilson - Bruce Zinger - James Gifford-Mead - Royal Academy of Dance/ArenaPAL - Johan Persson - Lisa Stonehouse - Amber Mitchell-Knight: Courtesy of Amber Mitchell-Knight - Felix Koch - Foteini Christofilopoulou - Cesare De Giglio - David Tett - Martin Bell