Hear from previous medallists about their experience of taking part in the competition from preparation to finals; how their careers have developed from the competition; and what they wish to share with today’s aspiring dancers. This video features Stella Abrera (Former Principal, America Ballet Theatre), Celine Gittens (Principal, Birmingham Royal Ballet), Mlindi Kulashe (Leading Soloist, Northern Ballet), Lachlan Monaghan (Soloist, Birmingham Royal Ballet) and Amber Scott (Principal Artist, The Australian Ballet).

Hear from Stella Abrera (Former Principal, America Ballet Theatre), Sean Bates (First Soloist, Northern Ballet) Dame Darcey Bussell DBE (President, Royal Academy of Dance), Celine Gittens (Principal, Birmingham Royal Ballet) and Montana Rubin (The Australian Ballet) about their experience of preparing to perform a solo, including Dame Darcey Bussell DBE reflecting on her memories of preparing for her first solo, the Lilac Fairy.

The work of Sir Frederick Ashton has long been a feature in the repertoire list of the Genée competition, now named The Fonteyn. His distinctive choreographic style helped define English classical ballet and as such is an important part of our dance heritage. In this video, Sir Anthony Dowell (Former Director, The Royal Ballet) and Marianela Nuñez (Principal, The Royal Ballet) share with Gerard Charles (Artistic Director, RAD), an insight into their experience of working with Ashton; what the process was like, and provide insights for dancers preparing for an Ashton solo.

Hear from previous competitors about their experience of taking part in the competition; what they gained from the experience, and how it has made a positive difference to the endeavors in their life since. This video features Gerard Charles (RAD’s Artistic Director) in conversation with Sebastian Aguinaga-Moreno, Tayla De Bie, Annette Ellis, Drew Hedditch, Tim Coleman and Georgia Nikolopoulou, and Coach, Hilary Clark.

‘The moment she came on stage, you couldn’t take your eyes off of her’. Recordings rarely capture the magic of a live performance but this a wonderful opportunity to hear the effect Dame Margot Fonteyn’s dancing had on those who worked with her and saw “the greatest ballet dancer of her generation” dance in person. This video features Dame Darcey Bussell DBE (President, Royal Academy of Dance), Sir Anthony Dowell (Former Director, The Royal Ballet), Wayne Eagling (Former Principal, The Royal Ballet), Dame Monica Mason DBE (Former Director, The Royal Ballet), Donald MacLeary OBE (Former Principal and Ballet Master, The Royal Ballet), Dame Merle Park DBE (Former Prima Ballerina, The Royal Ballet), Wayne Sleep OBE (Former Senior Principal, The Royal Ballet) and Alfreda Thorogood (Former Principal, The Royal Ballet).

We know Dame Margot Fonteyn as the greatest ballet dancer of her generation and now you can learn more about what this very famous person was like, and what she meant to those who knew her well. Hear from dance professionals who worked with her, as they share their personal stories and memories of Margot. This video features Dame Darcey Bussell DBE (President, Royal Academy of Dance), Sir Anthony Dowell (Former Director, The Royal Ballet), Wayne Eagling (Former Principal, The Royal Ballet), Dame Monica Mason DBE (Former Director, The Royal Ballet), Donald MacLeary OBE (Former Principal and Ballet Master, The Royal Ballet), Dame Merle Park DBE (Former Prima Ballerina, The Royal Ballet), Wayne Sleep OBE (Former Senior Principal, The Royal Ballet) and Alfreda Thorogood (Former Principal, The Royal Ballet).

Gain expert insights on artistic considerations when preparing a new piece of work, including choreography, music selection, and what judges and audiences may look for. This panel discussion, chaired by Gerard Charles, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance, features Dame Monica Mason DBE (Former Director, The Royal Ballet), Christopher Hampson (Artistic Director, Scottish Ballet), and Jonathan Still (Accompanist and Former Music Development Manager, Royal Academy of Dance).

Mlindi Kulashe took part in the previously named Genée International Ballet Competition in 2009 and 2011, winning the bronze medal. He is now a Leading Soloist with Northern Ballet. Here, he talks about starting his dance journey in Cape Town, South Africa, the Genée, and what he values as an artist and person through his life in ballet. Zoom in on The Fonteyn is a series of online interviews and reflections on The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition. Watch the full version in the Members’ Area.

Join RAD Artistic Director Gerard Charles as he talks with David McAllister, David Nixon and Lynn Wallis, about how to approach and prepare for a competition. This is the first instalment of ‘Zoom in on The Fonteyn’; a 9-week series of online interviews held over Zoom, providing insights relating to The Fonteyn competition.