17-year-old Canadian Erin Alarie dazzles in London, winning the Genée Gold Medal at the 2026 Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition.
The global ballet stage witnessed a star ascend this past Sunday, November 8, 2026, as 17-year-old Canadian sensation Erin Alarie clinched the coveted Genée Gold Medal at the prestigious Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition in London. Her triumph marks a significant moment in the dance world, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication.
Held at the iconic London Coliseum, the Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, formerly known as the Genée, is recognized as one of the oldest and most esteemed ballet competitions worldwide. Organized by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), this annual event is a benchmark for excellence, attracting the finest young dancers from across the globe who are trained in the RAD syllabus. This year's competition drew 71 candidates from 19 countries, all vying for the ultimate recognition in classical ballet.
Erin Alarie, who trains at the Oakville School of Classical Ballet with Amanda Paterson, captivated a distinguished panel of judges that included ballet luminaries such as Dame Darcey Bussell. Her gold medal, sponsored by Freed of London, is a testament to her technical prowess, artistic maturity, and compelling stage presence. Beyond the top prize, Alarie also impressively secured the Dancer's Own Choreographic Award during the semi-finals, showcasing her creative artistry in addition to her performance skills.
The competition's format this year was particularly demanding, requiring finalists to perform not only a classical repertoire variation and a self-choreographed "Dancer's Own" solo, but also, for the first time, a variation by Sir Frederick Ashton. This collaboration with The Frederick Ashton Foundation aimed to immerse young dancers in Ashton's distinctive style, characterized by its elegance, lyricism, and expressive musicality. Alarie's ability to excel across these diverse and challenging requirements underscores her versatility and profound understanding of ballet. Her performances, including extracts from *La Fille mal gardée* and *The Sleeping Beauty*, alongside her original solo "Allemande," clearly set her apart.
Erin's victory is more than just a personal achievement; it's an inspiration for aspiring dancers everywhere, demonstrating that dedication, rigorous training, and artistic passion can lead to the highest echelons of the ballet world. Her journey from Canada to the London Coliseum, culminating in such a prestigious win, is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of dance.
As we celebrate Erin Alarie's extraordinary accomplishment, we are reminded of the incredible potential that lies within every dedicated dancer. At GoDance, we strive to nurture that potential, guiding our students to develop the technique, artistry, and confidence needed to shine on any stage.
The GoDance team crafts articles about dance, technique and inspiring stories from dancers.
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The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, often called "The Fonteyn," is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet competitions globally, organized by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). It serves as a pinnacle for young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus, offering them a platform to showcase their talent and potentially launch professional careers.
To secure her Genée Gold medal, Erin Alarie performed a classical variation (including extracts from *La Fille mal gardée* and *The Sleeping Beauty*), a newly choreographed solo of her own creation titled "Allemande," and an Ashton variation, a new requirement this year in collaboration with The Frederick Ashton Foundation.
