The Royal Academy of Dance's prestigious Fonteyn 2024 ballet competition took place in London last week, with over 60 candidates from 13 countries across the world vying for the coveted award. After three days of coaching and semi-final rounds, a lucky 12 made it to the finals, including four Australians and one New Zealander. They presented their solos on Sunday at His Majesty’s Theatre, in front of adjudicators Dame Darcey Bussell, President of the RAD, Alessandra Ferri OMRI, Artistic Director Designate of the Wiener Staatsballett, and Jose Alves, former Senior Artist at Ballet Black.
The Silver medal was won by Lydia Hough aged 18 from North Lincolcnshire, UK, trained by Beverley Spencer, Sebnem Önal and Viviana Durante, currently training at English National Ballet School. Lydia also received the Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award.
The Bronze medal was won by Alfie-Lee Hall aged 18 from Cheshire, UK, trained by Denise Whiteman and Elmhurst Ballet School Artistic Staff, currently training at Elmhurst Ballet School and Ernesto Young aged 17 from Australia, trained by Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie, currently training at Alegria Dance Studios.
Ernesto also won the Dancer’s Own Choreographic Award which was judged by RAD Vice President Dame Monica Mason and choreographer Ashley Page OBE.
RAD Artistic Director Alexander Campbell said: “Congratulations to all The Fonteyn 2024 medallists and candidates. It’s been a true pleasure watching you grow throughout the week, and we hope that you have made memories to be treasured forever.
We would also like to send our warmest thanks to The Fonteyn 2024 esteemed judging panel, faculty and producer Lynn Wallis for joining us this week. Thank you for sharing your expertise and for supporting and inspiring all the candidates.”
Read a fuller account of the event here!