The winners of The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2024

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.