Medals and Awards
Each year the candidates perform for one of three medals. Audience and choreography awards are also given.
The Prize
Three medals are usually awarded – gold, silver and bronze – in male and female categories. They are awarded completely at the judges’ discretion and, as such, a gold medal is not always awarded. Medallists also receive €5,000, €3,000 or €2,000 in prize money.
The Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award as well as a Choreographic Award for the best Dancer’s Own variation, are also given.
Assessment Criteria
Technique
- Secure posture and weight placement, use of turnout, articulated and clearly defined footwork
- Coordinated and sensitive use of the arms and hands in balanced harmony with the whole body, breadth of movement, use of épaulement, alignment, head and eye-line
- Rhythmical and controlled pirouettes
- Controlled, sustained and coordinated adagio movements creating harmonious lines through the whole body
- Effective use of elevation, accurate batterie, and the ability to reflect the dynamics and artistic qualities of the allegro steps
- Use of space
Musicality
- Rhythmical accuracy and timing
- Response to musical atmosphere and dynamics
Performance
- Confident movements performed with ease
- The ability to interpret and express the varying artistic qualities and appropriate style
- The gold medal is only awarded when a candidate demonstrates exceptional technical skills, an innate response to music, outstanding performance qualities and charisma
- The Silver medal is awarded to a candidate who is proficient in technique, music and performance
- The Bronze medal is awarded to a candidate who is proficient in technique, music and performance although some areas of the work may not be as strong as others.