The Royal Academy of Dance announces judges and faculty for The Fonteyn 2026 ballet competition

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) has announced the panel of judges and faculty members for the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2026 (The Fonteyn), which will take place in London from 31 October to 8 November.

Coaching and semi-finals take place at the RAD’s global headquarters in London, with the final at London’s Coliseum.

Named after the RAD’s longest serving president, Dame Margot Fonteyn, The Fonteyn (previously known as The Genée) is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. It represents the pinnacle of achievement for young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus.

Since its beginnings in 1931, The Fonteyn has evolved to tour the globe, promoting dance, providing educational experiences, and recognising excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. 

A springboard for a professional career, The Fonteyn offers aspiring dancers the unique opportunity to work with professionals and receive awards, as well as the chance to perform on an international stage.

The judging panel features esteemed figures from the ballet world and beyond including:

• Leanne Cope, English ballet star and theatre actress (judging the semi-finals) 
• Ana Maria Campos, RAD examiner and teacher (judging the semi-finals)
• Mthuthuzeli November, resident choreographer at Charlotte Ballet (judging the semi-finals and final)
• Dame Darcey Bussell, RAD President (judging the final)
• Lynn Wallis, former RAD Artistic Director Lynn Wallis OBE (judging the final)
• Francesca Hayward, principal of The Royal Ballet and former Genée medalist (judging the final)
• Kevin O'Hare, director of The Royal Ballet (judging the final)

Faculty members will provide coaching and mentorship throughout the competition week, offering candidates the opportunity to work with world-renowned professionals. 

Faculty includes:

• Ricardo Cervera
• Helen Crawford
• Cira Robinson
• Alexander Campbell
• Carrie Taylor Johnson
• Justine Berry
• Johannes Stepanek

Pianists:

• Richard Norriss 
• Rebecca Leshures 
• Matthew Mills 

“To mark Dame Margot Fonteyn’s birthday, it feels like the perfect opportunity to share news of the judges, coaches and pianists who will be joining us for The Fonteyn 2026. I know these people will provide an exceptional experience for the participants - not only will they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise but also create a fantastic environment for us all to enjoy and I'm truly delighted and grateful that they will be part of this year’s competition." – Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director of the RAD.

The Fonteyn is open to dancers aged 15 to under 19 who have achieved distinction in their RAD Advanced 2 exam. A key element of this year’s competition is the partnership with The Frederick Ashton Foundation. Each candidate will learn an Ashton variation—with exclusive access to a film of the solo being coached by an Ashton répétiteur, along with other resources from The Frederick Ashton Foundation. This experience will offer dancers the unique opportunity to connect with Ashton's ballets and deepen their understanding and appreciation of his choreography.

With a presence in over 85 countries, the RAD is a global leader in dance education and teacher training. A registered charity, the RAD inspires the world to dance through its global network of teachers, Faculty of Education programmes, syllabi and examinations, and community events at its headquarters in Wandsworth.

Applications are still open and close on 1 June.

Members’ Priority booking is now open, with general public on-sale opening on 22 June.