Program notes
Catch the final of one of the ballet world's most preeminent prizes on medici.tv: the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, hosted by Kristen McNally, Principal Character Artist of The Royal Ballet. This prestigious competition, first held in 1931 and formerly known as the Genée — in honor of the great Adeline Genée, whose name still adorns the gold medal — recognizes the most promising young dancers from around the world. The Fonteyn is dedicated to promoting and rewarding excellence among young ballet dancers worldwide. It provides aspiring dancers with a unique opportunity to work with world-renowned choreographers and professionals, compete for medals and cash prizes, and perform on an international stage.
The 2024 final includes a special appearance by two celebrated Northern Ballet soloists: 2017 Genée Competition winner Harris Beattie and Saeka Shirai, who perform the iconic balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. This year’s judges are Darcey Bussell (RAD President and Guest Principal Coach of The Royal Ballet), Alessandra Ferri (Artistic Director of Wiener Staatsballett), José Alves (Freelancer and Former Leading Artist with Ballet Black), and Kevin O'Hare (Director of The Royal Ballet), with Andrew McNicol as Commissioned Choreographer. To view the full program and cast sheet for the final, click here.