The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition
The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition is the Royal Academy of Dance’s flagship annual event. It’s one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, attracting the finest young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus.
About The Fonteyn
Informally known as ‘The Fonteyn’, our international flagship annual event is dedicated to promoting and rewarding standards of excellence in young ballet dancers. This is achieved by offering candidates from around the globe a unique opportunity to work with world-renowned choreographers and professionals, as well as the chance to perform on famous international stages.
First held in its original form in London back in 1931, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet competitions in the world and represents the pinnacle of achievement for young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus. Formerly the Genée International Ballet Competition, it was renamed in 2019 to mark what would have been the 100th birthday of Dame Margot Fonteyn, the legendary ballet dancer, and our longest-serving president.
Read more about the history of The Fonteyn and how it has shaped the careers of so many talented dancers over the years.
Why take part in The Fonteyn?
Attend coaching sessions and be taught by leading industry professionals
Opportunity to perform on the West End, broadcast across the globe
Win prizes and scholarships to the best Ballet schools around the world
Build friendships with fellow dancers and experience the magic of The Fonteyn
Take part in The Fonteyn 2026
This year, The Fonteyn will be held in London, from 31 October to 8 November, with coaching at our headquarters in Battersea.
The semi-finals will take place in the Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, with the final at the famous London Coliseum, the largest theatre in London’s West End.
The competition is open to students aged between 15 and 19 years of age, at the time of applying. Candidates must have passed their RAD Advanced 2 exam with distinction
Applications for The Fonteyn 2026 are now open!
The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition represents the pinnacle of achievement for young people trained in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, and it is dedicated to promoting and rewarding standards of excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. This is achieved by offering aspiring dancers the unique opportunity to work with world-renowned choreographers and professionals, as well as the chance to perform on an international stage.
The Fonteyn week consists of coaching sessions, semi-finals and a final performance during which medals and awards are assigned by a panel of judges.
Support The Fonteyn
The RAD is only able to stage the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition with the support of generous sponsors and donors, as well as the vital income from ticket sales and competitor fees.
But we need support to enable us to continue to offer places at The Fonteyn to the talented ballet stars of tomorrow. If you are interested in becoming a supporter or sponsor, please get in touch by emailing development@rad.org.uk
“The 2024 Fonteyn Competition was an unforgettable experience. Getting coached from such incredible teachers and being able to perform in front of the prestigious judges was truly humbling. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for the friendships I’ve made—they’re friendships for life. Being one of the 12 finalists and performing at His Majesty’s Theatre was surreal, and I’ll carry that feeling with me forever. I’ve grown so much from this journey, and I’m so excited for the dancers who will get to experience it in the future!”
Elisha Tan, finalist 2024
The Bedells Bursary
Open to dancers aged 17 and under at the closing date of entry, the Bedells Bursary is a stepping stone to The Fonteyn and is open to candidates who have achieved a Distinction in the RAD Advanced 1 Examination.
This year’s Bedells Bursary will take place at the RAD headquarters in London, on Sunday 25 and Monday 26 October 2026.
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