The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) has announced that Brazilian principal dancers Mayara Magri and Isabella Gasparini will serve as ambassadors for The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition (The Fonteyn) 2025. This marks a significant milestone as the competition arrives in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the first time, scheduled for October 11-19, 2025.
Magri and Gasparini, both luminaries of The Royal Ballet, will champion the competition and promote its accessibility, particularly through the now-open bursary applications.
Mayara Magri, a Principal with The Royal Ballet, brings a wealth of experience to her role. Having trained at The Royal Ballet School and ascended through the company ranks, Magri's journey began in Brazil, where she won scholarships at a young age. Her accolades include the Senior Age Division of the Youth America Grand Prix and the Prix de Lausanne Scholarship and Audience Prize in 2011.
"Becoming an ambassador for The Fonteyn competition in Brazil is an incredible honour," Magri stated. "As a Brazilian, achieving my dream of becoming a ballerina through dance competitions taught me life values that continue to shape my professional journey today. It feels so meaningful to now pass that inspiration on to the next generation of dancers."
Isabella Gasparini, a First Soloist with The Royal Ballet, also expressed her enthusiasm. Born in Sao Paulo, Gasparini trained in Brazil and Canada, and has performed with renowned companies like Northern Ballet and English National Ballet. "I'm delighted to be an ambassador for The Fonteyn 2025 and look forward to supporting the competition as it comes to Brazil, my home country, this year!" she said.
Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director of the RAD, highlighted the significance of the ambassadors' involvement. "We're delighted to announce that Mayara and Isabella are ambassadors of The Fonteyn 2025. Together, they will be brilliant champions of the competition as it heads to Latin America for the first time in its history."
Campbell also emphasised the importance of the bursary program, which aims to widen access to dance opportunities. "The RAD is committed to widening access to opportunities in dance, and these bursaries are essential in ensuring candidates are given the support they need to take this step and attend The Fonteyn," he said.
Ernesto Young, 2024 bronze medallist from Alegria Dance Studios, attested to the impact of the bursary program, stating, "I will always be so grateful for the bursary, which allowed me to explore a new country, create connections with people from all around the world and learn from the industry’s best."
Bursary applications are now open and will close on April 14, 2025. Interested applicants can find more information on The Fonteyn website: https://www.thefonteyn.org/bursaries.