Eight American dancers selected to compete at the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) USA is delighted to announce that eight dancers from the United States will be taking part in the prestigious Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition which takes place in London, UK from 31 October – 8 November.

The dancers representing the United States are:

Chloe Coleman – Virginia
Giselle Currlin – Florida
Charlotte Loeffler – Florida
Niko Mulligan – Arizona
Rebecca Sanborn – Virginia
Zoe Smith – Glasglow
Isabella Stephens – Virginia
Nina Willcoxon – Virginia

Named in honour of RAD’s longest-serving president, Dame Margot Fonteyn DBE, 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.

Since its beginnings in 1931, The Fonteyn recognises excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. A springboard for a professional career, with alumni including Steven McRae, Iain Mackay and Francesca Hayward, The Fonteyn offers aspiring dancers the unique opportunity to work with professionals and receive awards, as well as the chance to perform on an international stage.

This year, the competition returns to London with coaching sessions at RAD’s headquarters in London. Over 80 candidates from 20 countries will be coached and mentored by leading industry professionals, with candidates then participating in the semi-finals for a chance to win a place at The Fonteyn final at London Coliseum.

At The Fonteyn, candidates compete for a chance to win the coveted Genée Gold medal, Silver and Bronze medals and cash prizes, and for the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award, Choreographic Award and Musicality Award. Alongside the prizes, candidates have the chance to be awarded scholarships to some of the most prestigious ballet schools across the globe.

Esteemed figures from the ballet world and beyond will judge the competition including Leanne Cope, English ballet star and theatre actress, Dame Darcey Bussell, RAD President, Francesca Hayward, principal of The Royal Ballet and Kevin O’Hare, director of The Royal Ballet.

Congratulations to the USA candidates and best of luck on your competition journey!