The Royal Academy of Dance are delighted to announce five Scottish ballet dancers will be heading to London to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions.

One of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world is about to take place in London this September. ‘The Fonteyn’ is an international ballet competition produced by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).
Dating back to 1931, the competition was originally called the Adeline Genée Gold Medal, eventually being shortened to ‘the Genée’. From 2002 the RAD has taken place outwith its original home London and is hosted globally. Dame Margot Fonteyn, one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, was the longest-serving president of the Royal Academy of Dance. The competition took her name in May 2019 in honour of, what would have been, her 100th birthday.
The Fonteyn
The competition is only open to dancers aged 15-19 years who have attained Distinction in the Royal Academy of Dance Advanced two examination. This year, The Fonteyn takes place in London from 1st – 8th September. Throughout the week, the young dancers will have one-one-coaching from dance professionals. They will guide the candidates through their performances leading up to the semi-finals. Coaches are also on hand throughout the week to help dancer consider which career path to choose. It’s a very full week, with semi-final performers creating their own choreography known as the ‘Dancer’s Own’ performance. This piece can also have input from their teacher or peer and is choreographed to a piece of music they have chosen themselves. During the semi-final the candidates are also assessed on their Classical Ballet Repertoire, before the finalists are announced. The final is held in His Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday the 8th September.

More Than a Competition
This is dancing at the highest level and of course the dancers are there to compete. But Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director of RAD notes that as well as working with acclaimed choreographers, performing on an international stage and performing in front of judges including Dame Darcey Bussell, dancers gain so much more. ‘(it’s) more than just a competition, The Fonteyn is designed to nurture young talent, support a sense of community and friendship among the dancers at this important stage of their career. (It) offers scholarship opportunities to all candidates and guide them on their professional dance journey.’ Bursaries are also available to dancers who require financial assistance.’
The Scottish Contingent
The five dancers from Scotland have already made a nation proud, gaining entrance to the competition. The five female ballet dancers come from all over the nation.
There’s a strong presentation from Perthshire with Crieff’s Christie Anderson and Antonia Maria Cramb both based there. Christie is 20 years old and is training at Art of Motion International Dance Laboratory. Antonia is 18 and is a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The west of Scotland is represented by Jessica Gilmour based in Renfrewshire and Selene Guasti from Glasgow. Jessica trains at the Northern Ballet School and is 18 whilst Selene is 17 and also trains at the Royal Conservatoire. Finally, flying the flag for the east is Lucy Roy from Linlithgow, West Lothian. Lucy, who also trains at the Northern Ballet School, is 18 years old.

With over 65 candidates taking part from Singapore, South Africa and Brazil to name a few, it’s no small achievement to have five ballet dancers from Scotland. The dancers of course are representing themselves, but it’s a huge pat on the back and great exposure for the Scottish RAD Ballet schools and teachers involved. And with The Fonteyn offering not just medals and prizes, but opportunity for these dancers to learn, to meet dancers from all over the world and the prospect of sponsorship? It’s a fantastic achievement for these dancers to even get to enter the competition.
To all the competitors taking part, good luck. But winners? We know they already are.
For more information on the Royal Academy of Dance visit –
Return to Culture and Art Articles