The Fonteyn dance competition comes to Sao Paulo, Brazil this October

Today, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is delighted to announce that its flagship event, The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, is coming to Sao Paulo, Brazil from 11-19 October 2025 for the first time in the competition’s history. Young dancers from around the world will come together for a week of dance, to win competition prizes and scholarships.

Named in honour of RAD’s longest-serving president, Dame Margot Fonteyn DBE, The Fonteyn is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, representing the pinnacle of achievement for young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus. Beginning in 1931, the competition has toured the globe and is dedicated to promoting dance, providing educational experiences and recognising excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. A launch pad for a professional career, past winners have become professional dancers with companies worldwide and enjoyed long-lasting careers in the arts.

Brazilian dance stars Ana Maria Botafogo and Mayara Magri (Principal of The Royal Ballet and commissioned choreographer for The Fonteyn 2025) will be judging the final, with Paloma Herrera and Julio Bocca judging the semi-finals. The competition’s coaches include RAD’s Artistic Director and Fonteyn producer Alexander Campbell, Daniela Severian and Lars van Cauwenbergh, and pianists Maria Ines Vasconcellos, Silvina Rouco and Joaquin Panisse.

Alexander Campbell, RAD Artistic Director says: “On behalf of the RAD, we are thrilled to be bringing The Fonteyn to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the first time in the competition's history. Celebrating the legacy of Dame Margot Fonteyn DBE, the competition brings together dancers from around the world for a wonderful week of dance. As well as receiving expert coaching from our brilliant faculty, The Fonteyn 2025 candidates will be able to perform in front our of esteemed judging panel at the Auditorio Ibirapuera. The RAD has a long and prosperous history in Brazil. With guidance from Dame Margot Fonteyn, Dalal Achcar (one of the key figures responsible for the expansion of ballet education in the country) was instrumental in bringing the RAD to Brazil. The first official course in the methodology for Brazilian teachers took place in 1963, and since then, Dalal and the RAD have inspired a countless number of dancers and teachers. We can't wait to celebrate and make history with the first ever Fonteyn in Brazil, and I look forward to seeing you there.”

Mayara Magri, commissioned choreographer for The Fonteyn said: “The Fonteyn is a very special event in the international dance calendar. I am so pleased to be part of this year's competition in Latin America, which has such a rich history with the RAD. I'd like to wish The Fonteyn 2025 candidates the best of luck - I hope you enjoy this wonderful experience and make memories to last a lifetime.” 

Coaching sessions begin the competition, with these sessions happening at Estudio de Ballet Cisne Negro. The semi-finals and final will take place at Auditório Ibirapuera. Candidates will be judged on classwork, a classical repertoire variation and a ‘Dancer’s Own’ piece – a newly choreographed solo created by themselves, their teacher, or a peer, to a piece of music of their choice. Finalists will also be judged on a solo created by commissioned choreographer Mayara Magri. These solos will have their world premieres at the competition.

At The Fonteyn, candidates compete for a chance to win the coveted Genee Gold medal supported by Freed of London, Silver and Bronze medals and cash prizes, and for the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award, Choreographic Award and Musicality Award.

Alongside the prizes, candidates have the chance to be awarded scholarships to some of the most prestigious ballet schools across the globe including English National Ballet School, Houston Ballet Academy and The Royal Ballet School. 

As well as the semi-finals and finals, audiences can enjoy wrap around events during the week including Ana Maria Botafogo delivering a coaching session with Fonteyn ambassador Isabella Gasparini, and events spotlighting the RAD’s world-leading examinations syllabus. 

For more information and to book your tickets visit: https://www.thefonteyn.org/tickets