The RAD exam journey to The Fonteyn

The journey to The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition is built on dedication, discipline, resilience and a love of dance. For many young dancers, the Royal Academy of Dance exam pathway provides the foundations for technical excellence, artistry and confidence. It is a journey that takes years of commitment, countless hours in the studio and a willingness to learn, adapt and strive for improvement.   

Each stage of the RAD syllabus provides dancers with the opportunity to develop essential skills, gradually building the foundations needed to progress to more advanced levels of training. From the early grades through to the vocational exams, dancers learn that progress comes through patience, perseverance and the ability to embrace corrections as opportunities for growth. These experiences become invaluable as dancers approach the higher levels and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of The Fonteyn.   

RAD teachers are central to this development. Through their knowledge, encouragement and individual guidance, they help dancers refine their technique, build confidence and develop resilience. The relationship between teacher and dancer becomes an important part of the journey, built on trust, commitment and a shared desire to improve. 

The journey through the RAD exam pathway   

The RAD exam journey is about much more than learning choreography or preparing for an assessment. It offers a structured approach to developing the fundamental principles of classical ballet. In the early grades, dancers begin to understand posture, alignment, coordination, musicality and the importance of moving with control and precision. As they progress, these foundational skills become refined. The vocational grades introduce greater technical complexity, challenging dancers to develop strength, stamina, flexibility, balance and control. They learn to manage demanding combinations, maintain correct placement, and demonstrate a deeper understanding of musical phrasing and dynamics.   

Throughout this journey, exams encourage dancers to become reflective learners, with each assessment providing an opportunity to recognise achievements, identify areas for improvement and to develop confidence. Over time, dancers learn to take greater responsibility for their training, understanding that consistency, attention to detail and a positive approach to feedback are essential to progress.   

What does it take to achieve Distinction at Advanced 2? 

Achieving Distinction at RAD Advanced 2 level is a significant milestone, reflecting years of dedication, technical development and artistic growth. Dancers must demonstrate not only secure technique, balance, stamina and control, but also musical sensitivity, expressive intention and a clear understanding of classical ballet style. 

Secure technique remains at the heart of achievement. Quality of movement, musical phrasing, épaulement, focus and artistry transform technically accurate dancing into a polished and engaging performance. Mental preparation is equally important, as dancers learn to manage nerves, maintain concentration, and perform confidently under pressure. 

Musicality is equally important. Advanced dancers must demonstrate an understanding of rhythm, phrasing, tempo and dynamics, allowing their movements to respond naturally to the music. Artistry also plays a vital role, from the quality of the arms and épaulement to the clarity of line, use of focus and expressive intention. These finer details help transform technically accurate dancing into a polished and engaging performance.   

RAD teachers guide dancers through this demanding process, helping them identify areas for improvement, apply corrections and recognise their progress. Their experience and encouragement are invaluable in preparing dancers to meet high expectations while maintaining confidence and belief in their abilities. 

Building the skills for The Fonteyn 

The Fonteyn offers talented young dancers an opportunity to showcase their technical ability, individuality and artistic potential. The years spent following the RAD syllabus provide a strong foundation, developing the discipline, musical understanding and performance skills needed to embrace such opportunities and apply them with confidence, individuality and purpose.   

Success, however, is about more than impressive turns, extensions or jumps. It comes from consistency, control, coordination and the ability to communicate through movement. Dancers must learn to reflect, adapt and continually refine their work, understanding that excellence develops through small, sustained improvements. 

Perhaps most importantly, dancers learn that quality is about much more than achieving high extensions, executing multiple turns, or performing impressive jumps. True excellence comes from the combination of placement, control, coordination, musicality and expressive intention. They also learn the importance of maintaining their technique and performance quality throughout an entire exercise or class, rather than focusing on individual moments.   

Throughout this process, RAD teachers remain important guiding figures. They challenge dancers to reach their potential while offering reassurance, constructive feedback and support through both achievements and setbacks. Their influence helps dancers develop independence and resilience, while reminding them that growth is an ongoing process. 

Beyond technique 

The RAD exam journey develops qualities that extend far beyond the studio. Preparing for exams also develops resilience. Dancers learn to respond positively to corrections, manage nerves and understand that mistakes are part of the learning process. They begin to recognise the relationship between preparation and confidence, appreciating that progress comes from consistent effort and a willingness to keep improving.   

As dancers approach Advanced 2, they also begin to bring their technical and artistic abilities together more consciously. They learn to consider not only how a movement is executed, but how musical phrasing, dynamics, expression and focus can communicate meaning. Technique becomes a foundation for artistry, allowing each dancer’s individuality and personality to emerge within the discipline of classical ballet.   

With the guidance of supportive teachers, they begin to understand just how technique and artistry work together. They learn not only how to execute a movement, but how to bring it to life through musicality, expression, and individuality. 

Celebrating the journey 

The journey to The Fonteyn is shaped by every class, correction, challenge and achievement along the way. Distinction at Advanced 2 celebrates not only technical prowess and artistry, but also the commitment and resilience developed over many years of training. 

Behind every dancer is a journey supported by teachers who share their knowledge, offer encouragement and help nurture their potential. RAD teachers are an integral part of this journey, guiding dancers to take their next steps. 

Ultimately, The Fonteyn represents more than a competition. It celebrates the dedication, individuality and passion that emerge through years of learning. Whether a dancer progresses to further vocational training, professional opportunities or a lifelong love of ballet, the foundations built through the RAD syllabus, and the expertise of their teachers, will continue to shape their development. 

The greatest achievement is not simply reaching the next stage, but growing as a dancer and individual, equipped with the skills, stamina and inspiration to embrace the next challenge.  

Join us at the London Coliseum on Sunday 8 November 2026 for the highly anticipated final of The Fonteyn. After months of dedication, training and competition, these exceptional young dancers will take to the stage for the culmination of their journey. Witness the next generation of ballet stars as they compete for one of the most prestigious awards in dance. Book your tickets today and be part of this unforgettable evening.

Photo by Iari Davies