6 September 2024 18:37
Finalists announced for The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2024
63 candidates from 13 countries took part in The Fonteyn semi-finals this week, with 12 dancers making it through to compete in the final at His Majesty’s Theatre, London on Sunday 8 September.
The finalists pictured with José Alves, Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, Dame Monica Mason DBE, and Ashley Page OBE. Photo: Martin Bell.
Our 2024 finalists:
- Elisha Tan. Age: 16. Nationality: American.
- Lydia Hough. Age: 18. Nationality: British.
- Alfie-Lee Hall. Age: 18. Nationality: British.
- Matthys de Beer. Age: 17. Nationality: South African.
- Samara Greig. Age: 18. Nationality: New Zealander.
- Chelsea Potter. Age: 18. Nationality: Australian.
- Ernesto Young. Age: 17. Nationality: Australian.
- Nicolas Pereira da Silva. Age: 18. Nationality: British.
- Christie Anderson. Age: 20. Nationality: British.
- Tahlia Szumowski. Age: 17. Nationality: Australian.
- Sophia Hudson. Age: 18. Nationality: Australian.
- Antonia Maria Cramb. Age: 18. Nationality: British.
The Dancer's Own Choreographic Award, which was available to all candidates who choreographed their own Dancer’s Own variation, was also selected at the semi-finals. This year, Ernesto Young was chosen as the winner.
Ashley Page OBE and Dame Monica Mason DBE with the recipients of the Musicality Award and Dancer's Own Choreographic Award. Photo: Martin Bell.
The newly introduced Musicality Award was received by Christie Anderson.
After three coaching days and semi-finals, judged by a panel comprising RAD President and Guest Principal Coach of The Royal Ballet, Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, and Artistic Director Designate of Wiener Staatsballett, Alessandra Ferri OMRI, the finalists will now compete for a chance to win the coveted gold, silver and bronze medals and for the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award.
All finalists will perform a newly choreographed piece created by guest choreographer, Andrew McNicol, founding Artistic Director of McNicol Ballet Collective.
Donor support
Half of the finalists were bursary recipients meaning that, through the generous support of RAD donors, they were able to participate in the competition. In addition to the medals and cash prizes, all candidates will have the opportunity to be considered for a variety of tuition scholarship opportunities from renowned dance schools across the globe.