Six Australian dancers selected to compete at the prestigious Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australia is proud to announce that six outstanding young Australian dancers have been selected to represent Australia at The Fonteyn 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions.
Held in London from 31 October to 8 November 2026, The Fonteyn brings together exceptional young dancers from across the globe for a week of coaching, performance and competition, culminating in the final at the iconic London Coliseum.
Representing Australia this year are:
• Siena Leishman, Queensland
• Lydia Sutton, Tasmania
• Olivia Van der Linden, New South Wales
• Kiara Waring, New South Wales
• Sarah Wheatley, New South Wales
• Eboni Wilson, Queensland
Shelley Yacopetti, National Director of the Royal Academy of Dance Australia, said:
“Being selected to represent Australia at The Fonteyn is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the dedication, artistry and perseverance of these young dancers. We are incredibly proud of Siena, Lydia, Olivia, Kiara, Sarah and Eboni, and we look forward to watching them embrace this remarkable opportunity on the international stage. We wish them every success as they prepare to represent Australia in London.”
To qualify for The Fonteyn, candidates must be between 15 and 19 years of age and have achieved a Distinction in the RAD Advanced 2 examination. Selection recognises years of dedication, discipline and artistic excellence, with candidates representing some of Australia’s most promising emerging ballet talent.
Named in honour of Dame Margot Fonteyn DBE, the Royal Academy of Dance’s longest-serving President, The Fonteyn (formerly known as The Genée) has been inspiring and celebrating young dancers since 1931. Widely recognised as one of the most respected ballet competitions in the world, it has launched the careers of many internationally acclaimed artists, including Steven McRae, Iain Mackay and Francesca Hayward.
Throughout the competition, candidates will undertake an intensive week of coaching and mentorship from leading ballet professionals before competing in the semi-finals at the RAD’s headquarters in Battersea. Finalists will then perform on the world-renowned stage of the London Coliseum.
In addition to competing for the coveted Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, candidates are eligible for a range of scholarships and special awards, including the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award, Choreographic Award and Musicality Award.
This year’s competition will welcome more than 80 candidates from over 20 countries, providing a unique opportunity for young dancers to learn from internationally respected artists, build lifelong connections and perform on one of ballet’s most prestigious stages.
The Royal Academy of Dance Australia congratulates Siena, Lydia, Olivia, Kiara, Sarah and Eboni on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to following their journey on the international stage.
