International dance competition 2026

The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition (The Fonteyn) promotes and rewards excellence in young ballet dancers. Aspiring dancers are given the unique opportunity to work with renowned choreographers and professionals, as well as the chance to perform on an international stage.

The Fonteyn represents the pinnacle of achievement for young people trained in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus. It is for all dancers from around the world who have achieved RAD Advanced 2 (with Distinction).  

The Fonteyn classes and coaching sessions will take place from Sunday 1 November to Sunday 8 November in London, with coaching and semi-finals held at the Royal Academy of Dance, and the final at the London Coliseum.

In 2026, there will be three days of semi-finals where candidates take part in a judged class on stage, performing one variation from the Classical Repertoire list. When candidates are not on stage, they receive further coaching in the studios.

Candidates also perform a ‘Dancer’s Own’ piece – a newly choreographed solo between 1 minute and 1 minute 30 seconds in length, created by themselves, their teacher, or a peer, to a piece of music of their choice. Candidates are requested to use copyright-free music for their Dancer’s Own Variation. 

Candidates should familiarise themselves with Ashton in Competition: A Resource for Young Dancers and RAD-approved guidance ahead of their arrival at the competition. They should select and rehearse ONE variation from the approved list (see Candidate Information Pack), and they will receive coaching on their chosen variation over the competition week. Selected finalists will perform this variation for the judging panel, which will include a representative of The Frederick Ashton Foundation.      

The competition is open to dancers who are current members of the RAD and have achieved Advanced 2 (with Distinction).

Candidates must be aged between 15 and under 19 years by Monday 1 June 2026, and be of non-professional status. They must not have been employed on a professional contract prior to participation; however, students who have been offered a professional engagement that begins after the competition will still be eligible to enter. 

Students who have passed Intermediate Foundation are eligible to become an RAD Member Plus. Students can join via the RAD website from as little as £47/€56 and will receive a range of additional benefits, including exclusive member offers and discounts, discounted prices at the RAD shop, an invitation to an exciting new season of member events, access to our member-only publication Dance Gazette and relevant communications and resources. Those who have passed Advanced 2 and are an active RAD member also get to use the post-nominal ARAD to signify their commitment and hard work. 

Applicants can use code TheFonteyn26 on their RAD Member Plus application form up until 1 June 2026 (in line with The Fonteyn applications closing) to gain 10% off their membership subscription.

Yes. Dancers training at a vocational dance school may enter as long as they meet the criteria above.

Taking part in The Fonteyn can often launch a student’s professional career. They have access to coaching from industry-leading teachers and connect with peers from across the world, often forming lifelong friendships.

As well as gaining the unique experience of participating in this world-renowned dance competition, prize money will be awarded to medallists as follows: 

Gold medal – £5,000
Silver medal – £3,000
Bronze medal – £2,000
Choreographic Award – £250
Audience Choice Award – £250
Musicality Award – £250

A student must have taken the Advanced 2 exam by 18:00 on 22 June 2026.  Candidates who are waiting for their Advanced 2 result must still complete an application form to be submitted by the closing date. They will be asked for information about their exam in the application.

Please check with your regional or country office to find out when the exam sessions for Advanced 2 are scheduled.

Yes, you can submit a filmed exam for Advanced 2. We would require this to be submitted by 18:00 on 22 June 2026.

Classes and coaching sessions will take place at the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters. Times will vary each day, and candidates will be provided with a timetable at the welcome reception on 31 October.

The semi-finals will be held at the RAD from Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 November.

The final will be held at the London Coliseum on the evening of Sunday 8 November. 

• A short biography (of no more than 60 words).
• A high-resolution headshot in colour – supplied as a JPG only (1000 pixels wide x 1500 pixels high minimum and 300dpi minimum).
• Music for their Dancer’s Own Variation – supplied as .WAV file.
• If the candidate has choreographed their Dancer’s Own Variation, we will need signed confirmation from the candidate’s teacher to confirm this.

Applications should be completed via the online application form available on this page from 13 April to 1 June 2026.

You may need a visa to travel to London. Please ensure you check with your local government or authority. Please also check any stipulations regarding passport expiry dates.  

Entry requirements – United Kingdom travel advice – GOV.UK 

The closing date for applications is Monday 1 June 2026 at 18:00 (UK time).

Candidates will be notified on Tuesday 30 June by 18.00 (UK time) whether or not they have secured a place. It is only on receipt of this confirmation that you will know whether you will be competing at The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2026.

The fees for 2026 are: £100 – Registration fee plus £600 entry fee. Total: £700. 

• World-class tuition,
• Semi-finals performance opportunities at the Royal Academy of Dance before a live audience and distinguished judging panel,
• For finalists, the opportunity to perform before a live audience and a distinguished judging panel at the London Coliseum,
• For non-finalists, a ticket to watch the final,
• Access for all candidates to a welcome reception on 31 October 2026,​
• Lunch provided for all candidates between 1 and 7 November (and for finalists on 8 November),
• Administrative costs (required, e.g. permission for use of Dancer’s Own music related to live performances), and
• Pastoral care throughout the competition (provided by RAD staff and chaperones).

We will share the coaching timetable with candidates closer to the start of the competition week. We expect all candidates to be punctual and to be prepared and ready to start classes on time. If you are going to be late, you will be expected to let your Chaperone know. 

Bursaries will be available from the RAD to support applicants. If you are considering applying but would need financial support to do so, you will have the opportunity to opt in to apply for a bursary when you submit your competition application.

Candidates should make their own accommodation arrangements. Please see the Candidate Information Pack for more details on accommodation options.

Not at all. Each year, students from all over the world take part in The Fonteyn. This makes it a truly international experience, with candidates speaking many different languages. 

Judges and coaches will be announced at a later date. 

Yes. Parents and teachers will be able to buy tickets to the semi-final and finals to see their candidates perform. Ticketing information will be available at a later date.

Audience tickets will be available to purchase later in 2026. To be the first to hear about ticket releases, make sure you sign up to our newsletter.

Please write to development@rad.org.uk.