Two young Australians, Mia Atacador and Bridie Grice, have been named semi-finalists for the 2025 Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition.
The Royal Academy of Dance’s flagship event will be held in São Paulo, Brazil, from 11–19 October — the first time in its 94-year history that the competition will take place in Latin America. The Fonteyn, named in honour of Dame Margot Fonteyn DBE, has launched the careers of countless dancers since its inception in 1931.
This year, Mia and Bridie will represent Australia on the world stage, joining peers from around the globe for a week of coaching, rehearsals, and performance before an international panel of judges. Dance Australia spoke with both dancers about their journey, their preparation, and their hopes for the competition.
Preparing for a competition of this scale takes immense focus. How have you balanced the demands of daily training with the extra preparation for the Fonteyn?
Mia: Preparing for the Fonteyn has been a welcome challenge that I have enjoyed so far. Balancing intense daily training with extra preparation has taught me the importance of staying organised and setting clear routines for myself. I’ve made a conscious effort to dedicate extra time for rehearsals, while also recognising the importance of rest and recovery.
Bridie: I think it’s important to listen to your body. Taking a rest when you need is just as beneficial as training. During preparation I have been working with my coaches at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to stay focused and intentional. While I’ve been home for my summer break, I’ve also prioritised spending quality time with my family and friends.
Where did you complete your RAD training, and with which teachers?
Mia: I began my RAD journey at Boyd Dance Academy under the guidance of Tracey Boyd, who supported me from Grade 1 to Advanced Foundation. I then trained with Jane Inglis-Keen at the National Ballet School, from Advanced 1 through to completing my Solo Seal.
Bridie: I commenced my RAD training at JS Dance taught by Grace Djurovitch and Joanne Horner, and then completed my training at Annette Roselli Dance Academy. I was taught by Annette Roselli, Helen Cracknell, Natascia Papini and Patricia Meenan.
The Fonteyn brings dancers from all over the world. What excites you most about travelling to São Paulo and sharing the stage with peers from so many different countries?
Mia: I’m really excited about travelling to São Paulo as it’s such a vibrant, beautiful city. It will be amazing to experience a new culture and to share the stage with people who bring their own artistry to their performances. I think it will be inspiring to learn from their different styles and connect through a shared love of dance.
Bridie: I’m so excited to travel to a part of the world I’ve never been to before and to experience Brazil’s culture. It will be inspiring to be surrounded by dancers from around the globe and to learn and grow together.
Every dancer brings their own story and artistry to the stage. What do you hope the judges and audience will take away from your performance?
Mia: I hope the judges and audience will be able to see and feel the love and passion I put into my dancing. More than anything, I want my performance to connect with people and show them the joy that dance brings me.
Bridie: With my performance, I hope the judges and audience don’t just see the choreography but feel the emotion and story behind it. If even one person in the audience connects with what I’m expressing, then I’ve succeeded as an artist.
Has there been a particular mentor, teacher, or role model who has guided you through this journey, and what advice from them will you carry with you into the competition?
Mia: My biggest sources of support have been my parents and teachers. A piece of advice I’ll carry with me comes from my mum: to enjoy the moment and fully immerse myself in it, because when you do, that joy naturally comes through in your dancing.
Bridie: I’ve had some incredible mentors. Tracey Carrodus once told me: “Don’t be simple and basic, listen to the music and let it guide your journey to be colourful and unique.” That advice has stayed with me. I’ve also been supported by Kerry Livingstone and Louisa Ross, who have helped me believe in myself and grow in confidence.
Beyond the results, what does taking part in the Fonteyn mean to you personally, and how do you see this experience shaping your future as a dancer?
Mia: Being selected as a semi-finalist is truly an honour. It represents the pinnacle of my RAD journey and a stepping stone toward a professional career in ballet.
Bridie: It’s an honour and privilege to perform at the highest level on an international stage. I’m excited to soak up everything the competition offers and to see how far I can grow as a dancer.
A global stage for excellence
Named in honour of Dame Margot Fonteyn, the competition has launched the careers of countless celebrated dancers since 1931. Australians have a strong history of success, with more than 75 medallists across its history, including Ernesto Young (Bronze and Choreographic Award, 2024), Lulu Moore (Silver Medal, 2023), Ed Cooley, and Zai Calliste (Bronze Medals, 2023).
Shelley Yacopetti, National Director of RAD Australia, congratulated this year’s semi-finalists: “Preparing for The Fonteyn is an exciting and challenging journey, offering them invaluable opportunities to grow, learn from world-class coaches, and perform on an international stage. We look forward to seeing them represent Australia with pride in São Paulo.”
Audiences will have the chance to follow Mia and Bridie’s journey through RAD Australia’s channels, as they step onto the international stage in pursuit not only of medals but of artistry, growth, and connection.