9 September 2024 14:44

The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2024 Finals

The Royal Academy of Dance Australia saw 4 out of 17 exceptional Australian semi-finalists go on to compete in Finals of The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2024. Taking place at His Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End on Sunday, 8th September, 12 dancers performed for a live audience.

The 4 Australian dancers who showcased their talent at the Finals were:

Chelsea Potter (NSW)
Ernesto Young (NSW) – also the recipient of the Dancer’s Own Choreographic Award
Tahlia Szumowski (QLD)
Sophia Hudson (NSW)

After three coaching days and semi-finals, 12 finalists were judged by a panel comprising 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.

We are thrilled to announce that Ernesto Young was awarded a Bronze medal and the Dancers’ Own Choreographic Award with the judges calling the selection a ‘clear winner’. Ernesto is currently training at Alegria Dance Studios and was taught by Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie.

Our National Director, Shelley Yacopetti said,

“What an incredible evening of dance, the standard was remarkable, it was an absolute joy to watch. All the Australian dancers did us very proud throughout semi-finals week, their talent and artistry were on full display as was their joy and passion for dance. We are particularly proud of the camaraderie and support shown to each other and the other candidates through the week. What an experience they have had.”

The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, RAD’s flagship event, aims to promote excellence and global collaboration within the ballet community. It provides young dancers with a unique opportunity to showcase their abilities on an international stage and receive valuable feedback from world-renowned professionals.

As the curtain closes on the Fonteyn 2024, we are so pleased to have had such fantastic representation with the Australian dancers in this year’s competition.

For one week you can watch the replay of The Fonteyn Finals here.