6 September 2024 11:24
63 candidates from 13 countries took part in The Fonteyn semi-finals this week, with 12 dancers making it through to compete in the final at His Majesty’s Theatre, London on Sunday 8 September.
The finalists pictured with José Alves, Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, Dame Monica Mason DBE, and Ashley Page OBE. Photo: Martin Bell.
Our 2024 finalists:
- Elisha Tan. Age: 16. Nationality: American. Taught by Leigh Ann Koelsch and Nicola Simpson.
- Lydia Hough. Age: 18. Nationality: British. Taught by: Beverley Spencer, Sebnem Önal and Viviana Durante.
- Alfie-Lee Hall. Age: 18. Nationality: British. Taught by: Denise Whiteman and Elmhurst Ballet School Artistic Staff.
- Matthys de Beer. Age: 17. Nationality: South African Taught by: Samantha Seyffert, Akos Sebastyen and Ivan Dinev.
- Samara Greig. Age: 18. Nationality: New Zealander. Taught by: Melinda Palmer.
- Chelsea Potter. Age: 18. Nationality: Australian. Taught by: Denise Whiteman and Elmhurst Ballet School Artistic Staff.
- Ernesto Young. Age: 17. Nationality: Australian. Taught by: Hilary Kaplan and Archibold McKenzie.
- Nicolas Pereria da Silva. Age: 18. Nationality: British. Taught by: Kerry Livingstone and Faculty of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
- Christie Anderson. Age: 20. Nationality: British. Taught by: Angelique Harris, Sayward Ten Hove and Bethany Kingsley-Garner.
- Tahlia Szumowski. Age: 17. Nationality: Australian. Taught by: Daniella Crismani, Daniel Gaudiello and Karen Donovan.
- Sophia Hudson. Age: 18. Nationality: Australian. Taught by: Gilli O’Connell, Emma Jane Morton and Lisa-Maree Cullum.
- Antonia Maria Cramb. Age: 18. Nationality: British. Taught by: Kerry Livingstone and Faculty of Royal Conservatoire Scotland.
The Dancer's Own Choreographic Award, which was available to all candidates who choreographed their own Dancer’s Own variation, was also selected at the semi-finals. This year, Ernesto Young was chosen as the winner.
Ashley Page OBE and Dame Monica Mason DBE with the recipients of the Musicality Award and Dancer's Own Choreographic Award. Photo: Martin Bell.
The newly introduced Musicality Award was received by Christie Anderson.
After three coaching days and semi-finals, judged by a panel comprising RAD President and Guest Principal Coach of The Royal Ballet, Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, and Artistic Director Designate of Wiener Staatsballett, Alessandra Ferri OMRI, the finalists will now compete for a chance to win the coveted gold, silver and bronze medals and for the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award.
All finalists will perform a newly choreographed piece created by guest choreographer, Andrew McNicol, founding Artistic Director of McNicol Ballet Collective.