BIG Ballet Comeback

Successfully securing the future of British Ballet

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), in association with the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation is delighted to announce that the Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition will take place in 2008.  The announcement coincides with the premiere performance of last year’s winner, Oliver Taylor (from Devon), as ‘Billy’ in the award winning Billy Elliot the Musical at The Victoria Palace Theatre. 

Oliver Taylor in Billy Elliot, photo David Scheinmann

Amidst claims that fewer British dancers are becoming soloists in our flagship dance companies the Competition, which was first held in 2006 and is held biennially, aims to focus attention on the popularity of ballet with young people and to identify, encourage and nurture talent for the long term future of British Ballet. The competition gives young dancers the opportunity to work with dance professionals and to experience the thrill of performing in front of a live audience on professional stages. Young dancers aged between 10 and 13 years will travel to heats across the UK and selected finalists will compete for the 2008 Young Dancer title and the prize money of £1500.

World-renowned choreographer Gillian Lynne CBE has choreographed four solos, two for males and two for females, exclusively for the competition. Last year many eminent dance professionals were involved as judges and supporters including Dame Antoinette Sibley, David Nixon, Pippa Moore, Desmond Kelly, Marion Tait, Steven McRae, Francesca Filpi Lauren Cuthbertson, Mark Silver & Wayne Sleep.  Following last year’s competition David Nixon stated,

“It is always a great pleasure to be part of the Royal Academy of Dance's events. The Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition will help young dancers to remember two of the greatest dancers of the last century while encouraging them. These great dancers were people whose contribution continues to affect us today. The RAD is constantly striving to find new ways of encouraging young dancers and these efforts are worthy of support.”

Following last year’s performance at the Lowry Theatre, Salford, all of the finalists have since gone on to pursue professional training at some of Britain’s top vocational schools. Oliver Taylor, who was entered into last year’s competition by RAD Registered Teacher Pollyanna Buckingham and was scouted as the next ‘Billy’, certainly found the experience rewarding. Katheryn Taylor, Oliver’s mother, stated;

“Since winning the competition his [Oliver’s] personal confidence and his belief in his own dance ability has increased, although he remains grounded and modest. When at school he is now open and proud of his dancing and no longer hides it for fear of teasing. Winning the competition also kick started a truly remarkable year for him, with offers to appear on television and now training for Billy Elliot. It isn't all about winning though - just taking part, having such expert teaching and getting up on stage and entertaining people is just as valuable an experience.”

The competition has been made possible by the funding and support of the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation, International Dance Supplies and an additional contribution from the Musical Opera and Ballet Trust.

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