Marella announced as Supporting Sponsor of The Fonteyn 2026

We are pleased to announce Marella, the contemporary Italian fashion brand owned by the Max Mara Fashion Group, as a Supporting Sponsor of The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2026.

Known internationally as The Fonteyn, the competition is dedicated to promoting and rewarding excellence among the next generation of ballet dancers. One of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions, it gives talented young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers and industry professionals and to perform on an international stage.

Marella’s support of The Fonteyn reflects a shared celebration of creativity, confidence and self-expression. With its vision of modern femininity rooted in Italian design, Marella has long championed women who express their individuality with confidence, elegance and effortless style. The partnership brings this ethos together with the artistry, discipline and individuality of a new generation of dancers.

The announcement follows the opening of Marella’s first London store at 8 Marylebone High Street earlier this year, the brand’s second standalone store in the UK following Belfast. Alongside its concessions at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, the partnership with the Royal Academy of Dance further cements Marella’s commitment to London and its creative community, celebrating the city as a global centre for fashion, culture and artistic expression while supporting the next generation of talent.

Marella’s team said: “We are delighted to support The Fonteyn and the extraordinary young dancers taking part in this year’s competition. Marella has always celebrated confidence, individuality and self-expression, values that feel intrinsically connected to dance. Following the opening of our first London store in Marylebone, this partnership represents another important step in our commitment to the capital and its vibrant creative community.”

Elizabeth Honer CB, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Dance, said: “The Fonteyn competition celebrates the very best of the next generation of dancers, and we are delighted to have Marella’s support in bringing it to the London Coliseum this November. Marella’s celebration of creativity, confidence and individuality speaks directly to what we see in our young dancers every year, and we’re grateful for a partnership that helps them flourish on an international stage.”

Taking place in London from 31 October to 8 November 2026, this year’s competition will culminate in its final at the iconic London Coliseum on Sunday 8 November, bringing exceptional young dancers from around the world to one of the capital’s most celebrated stages.

Click here to book your tickets and see the next generation of ballet stars take the stage!

Photo by Iari Davies.