Sunday, 9 April 2005 saw the Final of the first ever Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition at the world famous Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays. After individually working with legendary Gillian Lynne CBE, candidates performed one of her four exclusive variations choreographed especially for them in front of an audience of parents, friends and supporters of the competition, including:
Wayne Sleep, OBE; Judges, Sir John Tooley; Chairman of the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation; David Bintley, Artistic Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet; and Dame Antoinette Sibley selected two winners, one from each level.
The Young Dancer Title and prize money went to Oliver Taylor (Level 1) and Claire Jobanputra (Level 2)