Divulgação: Urbia Parques
For the first time in the competition's history, in 2025 The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition will be staged in Brazil
Save the date for The Fonteyn 2025
11 - 19 October 2025
São Paulo, Brazil
Coaching at Estudio de Ballet Cisne Negro
Semi-finals and Final at Auditório Ibirapuera
Express your interest
Interested in taking part in the competition? Complete this form and we’ll send you information on how to apply.
Divulgação: Urbia Parques
Divulgação: Urbia Parques
An extraordinary venue
Built in 2005 to a 1950s International Style design by architect Oscar Niemeyer, the Ibirapuera Auditorium has an internal capacity for 800 people. When a 20-metre door is opened at the back of the stage, however, the capacity reaches almost 15 thousand people in the external area. The venue is used for cultural activities and musical shows and even hosted the Latin Grammy Awards in 2008.
The choice of this unique location underlines our mission to inspire the world to dance.
Introducing the news, Alexander Campbell, RAD Artistic Director, says: "I'm delighted to be taking the Fonteyn 2025 to Brazil for the first time and to be staging the event at the instantly recognisable Auditório Ibirapuera will be very special indeed. I cannot wait to welcome candidates from around the world to take part in what promises to be a memorable event."
FAQ
When will candidate applications open?
We'll be opening applications for candidates soon. To express your interest in applying to compete at The Fonteyn 2025 and to be the first to hear about applications opening, please complete this form.
What is the candidate entry fee?
We will be releasing information about candidate entry fees soon. To express your interest in applying to compete at The Fonteyn 2025 and to be the first to hear about applications opening, please complete this form.
Will bursaries be available to help with the cost of competing?
Yes, a number of bursaries will be available for the candidates and we'll release details soon.
When will audience tickets be available to purchase?
Audience tickets will be available to purchase in 2025. To be the first to hear about ticket releases, make sure you sign up to our newsletter.
What is São Paulo like?
São Paulo is Brazil's largest city. It is considered a cosmopolitan city with diverse culture, cuisine and attractions.
How do I get to São Paulo?
Where will I stay once I'm in São Paulo?
São Paulo/Guarulhos is São Paulo's International Airport.
Candidates will stay at a hotel arranged by the RAD and candidates will be chaperoned throughout the competition by local English-speaking chaperones. Supporters and other visitors are welcome to stay at hotels recommended by the RAD, or you are welcome to find your own accommodation. RAD will share recommended hotel lists in due course
How will I travel around São Paulo once I'm there?
If you're a candidate, you will travel between hotel and venues via a coach organised by the RAD. If you're a visitor, we can recommend travel options for you, and Uber is also widely available.
I want to volunteer for the event, is that possible?
Yes, we'd love to hear from you. Please email events@rad.org.uk with your interest
I am interested in supporting or sponsoring the event, how can I contact you?
Please write to development@rad.org.uk
"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