Woking

The first of four regional heats of the Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition, took place at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking, on Sunday 13 January. Held biennially, the Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition is the Royal Academy of Dance flagship national event, presented in association with the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation, the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation, the Music Ballet and Opera Trust and with the generous support of International Dance Supplies.

Hundreds of young dancers have entered the competition and 63 competed in Woking for only two places in the Final at each Level. The aspiring young dancers performed in front of an audience of family, friends, dance professionals and dance enthusiasts. At both levels, (Level 1: 10-11 yrs, Level 2: 12-13 yrs) they competed in a classical class, lead by RAD Register Teacher and member of the Academy’s Executive Committee, Karen Berry. Each candidate then performed variations choreographed exclusively for the competition by renowned choreographer Gillian Lynne CBE (Cats, Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang).

The Deputy Mayor of Woking , Cllr Peter Ankers , who attended the event, said,

"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the talented young ballet dancers demonstrating their skills. I am sure the judges had a very difficult job selecting the winners to go forward to the final."

Agnes Oaks, Principal Guest Artist with English National Ballet and Christopher Hampson, Choreographer, who acted as guest judges in the Woking Heat, were delighted with the number of entries and the quality and individuality of candidates’ performances. Congratulating all the participants, Christopher Hampson said,

"Being on stage and expressing emotion through dance is both a privilege and a challenge; you should all be very proud of yourselves"

                                                                                                                   Level 2 Finalists Molly Jennings and Charlotte Evans

On the overall Competition, he also added,

"Win or lose, what all the candidates win is the opportunity to get valuable performing experience."

Finalists Level 1

Candidate No. 46: Lauren Hurst, age 10, West Byfleet, taught by Susan Robinson Candidate No. 52: Sophie Lewis, age 11, Guildford, taught by Susan Robinson

Level 2

Candidate No. 13: Charlotte Evans, age 13, Chobham, taught by Susan Robinson Candidate No. 19: Molly Jennings, Guildford, age 14 (age 13 at the time of application), taught by Anna Holford

The Academy would like to thank all of the candidates, their teachers and all who attended the event and supported the young dancers and the Academy on the day, without whom events like this could not take place.

                                                                                                                   Level 1 Finalists Sophie Lewis and Lauren Hurst with Judges Christopher Hampson and Agnes Oaks

All photos: Brian Slater