With just two months until The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition arrives in Brazil, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) has announced the judging panels, commissioned choreography and a week of events that will make the 2025 event a landmark in the competition’s history.
The finals will be judged by celebrated Brazilian dance figures Ana Maria Botafogo and Mayara Magri, Principal of The Royal Ballet. Magri, who is also this year’s commissioned choreographer, will premiere a new work for the finalists. Paloma Herrera and Julio Bocca will join the panel for the semi-finals.
Alexander Campbell, RAD Artistic Director and Fonteyn producer, said:
“On behalf of the RAD, we are thrilled to be bringing The Fonteyn to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the first time in the competition's history. Celebrating the legacy of Dame Margot Fonteyn DBE, the competition brings together dancers from around the world for a wonderful week of dance. As well as receiving expert coaching from our brilliant faculty, The Fonteyn 2025 candidates will be able to perform in front our of esteemed judging panel at the Auditorio Ibirapuera.
The RAD has a long and prosperous history in Brazil. With guidance from Dame Margot Fonteyn, Dalal Achcar (one of the key figures responsible for the expansion of ballet education in the country) was instrumental in bringing the RAD to Brazil. The first official course in the methodology for Brazilian teachers took place in 1963, and since then, Dalal and the RAD have inspired a countless number of dancers and teachers. We can't wait to celebrate and make history with the first ever Fonteyn in Brazil, and I look forward to seeing you there.”
Magri said:
“The Fonteyn is a very special event in the international dance calendar. I am so pleased to be part of this year's competition in Latin America, which has such a rich history with the RAD. I'd like to wish The Fonteyn 2025 candidates the best of luck, I hope you enjoy this wonderful experience and make memories to last a lifetime.”
The programme will open with coaching sessions at Estudio de Ballet Cisne Negro before moving to Auditório Ibirapuera for the semi-finals and final. Candidates will perform a classical repertoire variation, a Dancer’s Own solo, and Magri’s commissioned work.
Prizes include the coveted Genee Gold Medal supported by Freed of London, Silver and Bronze medals, the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award, the Choreographic Award and the Musicality Award. Scholarships to prestigious schools such as English National Ballet School, Houston Ballet Academy and The Royal Ballet School will also be awarded.
Beyond the competition, audiences can enjoy wraparound events, including a coaching session by Ana Maria Botafogo with Fonteyn ambassador Isabella Gasparini, and activities spotlighting the RAD’s internationally recognised examination syllabus.
The Fonteyn 2025
Dates: 11–19 October 2025
Location: Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brazil
More information and tickets: Book here