‘A triumphant turnout of precision and promise from the rising stars of international ballet’
The Royal Academy of Dance, one of the world’s most influential dance institutions, showcases the astounding professionalism and artistry of twelve young athletes from six countries as the annual Margot Fonteyn International Ballet competition returns home to London for an evening celebrating ballet excellence. The RAD judges dancers on musicality, performance and technique in the final of this prestigious contest. Though a competition, the stage was set equally as an opportunity to spotlight the skill and talent cultivated through the RAD’s rigorous international programme; selection as a finalist is a monumental achievement in itself. The standard, astonishing yet unsurprising, raised the roof of the London Coliseum, a huge stage for these young performers to fill. Every single candidate rose to the challenge, displaying impressive expressive maturity in a discipline that demands such craftsmanship at this early stage in their careers.
Hosted by Artistic Director Alexander Campbell alongside CEO Elizabeth Honer, the final comprised three variation solos per dancer. First came one of six variations by esteemed choreographer Frederick Ashton, coached in his distinctive movement language and accompanied by pianist Rebecca Leshures. This was followed by the Dancer’s Own Variation, in which candidates delivered expressive, contemporary pieces showcasing their individual flair for storytelling and musical sensitivity. Finally, their chosen pieces of Classical Repertoire delivered a masterclass in control and complex choreography, with exquisite costumes to match.
This intense programme faced the scrutiny of this year’s judging panel, made up of ballet royalty Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, RAD President; Lynn Wallis OBE, former RAD Artistic Director; Francesca Hayward, Principal of The Royal Ballet and former Genée medallist; Mthuthuzeli November, Charlotte Ballet Resident Choreographer; and Kevin O’Hare CBE, Director of The Royal Ballet. The coveted Genée gold medal was awarded to Erin Alarie, the Canadian 17-year-old, who also won the Dancer’s Own Choreographic Award, demonstrating exceptional grace alongside immense technical control. 18- year-old Chinese dancer Tsz Ho Ting, trained in Berlin, earned the silver medal with his explosively light jumps, appearing to float and suspend time in the air, while his own choreography delivered a sophisticated, expressive edge. The 2026 bronze medal was split between Chi Kok Ip (18) and Siena Murphy (17), a testament to the exceptionally high standard this year, both executing variations with accomplished lightness and finesse. 19-year-old New Zealander Chelsea Humm received the Audience Choice Award for her mature, confident performances, full of personality and command of the space, granting delicate choreography a fresh dose of attack.
Among the many highlights, special mention goes to Lucy Crawford for her highly commendable performance quality, nuanced, characterful routines, and visible joy for her craft. Rafferty Ebury’s gravity-defying, vivacious jumps were breathtaking, while Gonzalo Toledo, winner of the Musicality Award, shone in his Dancer’s Own piece, ‘Out of time’, effortlessly combining lyricism with comedic timing.
Guest performances from The Royal Ballet soloist, Marianna Tsembenhoi, as well as a dynamic pas de deux danced by The Royal Ballet Principals Fumi Kaneko and Vadim Muntagirov, punctuated the judged pieces with further spellbinding mastery. With the bar already set high by the finalists, seeing dancers at the top of their game deliver such soaring performances, audiences couldn’t help but imagine the young performers one day stepping into their spotlight.
The sentiment at the conclusion of this dazzling evening was one full of promise. Finalists and semi-finalists alike soaked in the moment, drinking in their well-deserved applause from an audience radiating joy and pride in the dancers’ achievements and the weeks of dedication leading up to the final. What a privilege to witness the birth of so many stars, and what a thrill to think of which stages they will shine on in the coming years. Watch this space!