The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) has announced the judging panel and faculty for the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2026, which will take place in London from 31 October to 8 November.
Known as The Fonteyn, and previously named The Genée, the competition is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. It represents the highest level of achievement for young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus and has been a significant international platform for emerging ballet talent since its beginnings in 1931.
Coaching and semi-finals will take place at the RAD’s global headquarters in London, with the final to be held at London’s Coliseum.
The 2026 judging panel brings together major figures from ballet, theatre and dance education. Mthuthuzeli November, resident choreographer at Charlotte Ballet, will judge both the semi-finals and final. He will be joined for the semi-finals by Leanne Cope, English ballet star and theatre actress, and Ana Maria Campos, RAD examiner and teacher.
For the final, November will be joined by Dame Darcey Bussell, RAD President; Lynn Wallis OBE, former RAD Artistic Director; Francesca Hayward, principal of The Royal Ballet and former Genée medallist; and Kevin O’Hare, director of The Royal Ballet.
Candidates will also work with an international faculty throughout the competition week, receiving coaching and mentorship from Ricardo Cervera, Helen Crawford, Cira Robinson, Alexander Campbell, Carrie Taylor Johnson, Justine Berry and Johannes Stepanek. Pianists for the competition include Richard Norriss, Rebecca Leshures and Matthew Mills.
Open to dancers aged 15 to under 19 who have achieved distinction in their RAD Advanced 2 exam, The Fonteyn offers young dancers the opportunity to work with leading professionals, perform on an international stage and compete for awards that can help support the next stage of their training and careers.
A key element of the 2026 competition is the RAD’s partnership with The Frederick Ashton Foundation. Each candidate will learn an Ashton variation and will receive exclusive access to a film of the solo being coached by an Ashton répétiteur, along with other resources from the Foundation. The initiative will give candidates the opportunity to connect more closely with Ashton’s ballets and strengthen their understanding of his choreography.
Named after the RAD’s longest serving president, Dame Margot Fonteyn, the competition has evolved from its origins in London to tour internationally, promoting dance education and recognising excellence in young ballet dancers across the world.
Applications for The Fonteyn 2026 remain open until 1 June.