Competing in the Genée International Ballet Competition is an unforgettable experience. In 2004 finalists had the once in a lifetime opportunity of performing on the open air stage of the stunning Herod Atticus Odeon in Athens, Greece. Here medallists from 2004 share their experiences.

Ayako Ono, Gold Medallist
‘ The Genée competition was a very special experience and I was proud to have the opportunity to take part. Despite the fact that it was a competition the emphasis was on the enjoyment of training and dancing with the other candidates and the atmosphere was amazing. Every single day, I was totally absorbed in the classes and rehearsals with fantastic teachers and choreographers. The whole process of coaching and then performing was really exciting and all the candidates from around the world inspired me. The time passed so quickly and I will treasure each moment.

For those of you who have never been to the Herod Atticus Odeon imagine, you are on a huge, open-air stage by yourself with 3000 people in the audience!! Whilst waiting in the wings to go on stage and perform I was anxious but the audience encouraged me and as soon as I was on stage my fear disappeared. I can still remember the thunderous applause after my last variation and how happy I was. It was the best moment of my dancing career.

When my name was called at the Awards ceremony my mind went blank. I cannot describe how I felt at that time. It felt like a dream.

Now I am in the young artists training programme at the New National theatre, Tokyo. Everything I experienced during the Genée competition has encouraged me to keep following my dream and I will never forget it!’

Shevelle Dynott, Bronze Medallist, 2004
Shevelle Dynott a student at the Royal Ballet School was first spotted by The Royal Ballets Chance to Dance scheme whilst at Primary School in Brixton. After receiving his Bronze medal in Athens he tells Robin Stringer how it feels.‘ It is absolutely amazing, breathtaking on that stage. I cannot describe how happy I feel. I am up on cloud nine or is it cloud 10,000 or cloud infinity. Tonight is the best night of my life.’

Callie Roberts, Silver Medallist 2004
My teacher Marie Mahon always sent students over every year to compete in the Genée International Ballet Competition. From a very young age my friends and I always talked about how wonderful it would be when we were all old enough to enter.

My first real taste of how exciting the Genée was, was as a member of the audience watching my elder sister perform in the Finals in 2000 and 2001.I remember hearing all about her wonderful experience and how much she enjoyed the competition. Meanwhile I was patiently waiting in the wings, hoping that I too would be able to be part of such an amazing event one day.

My time finally arrived in 2004 and I was extremely fortunate that this time the Genée was to be held in Athens as part of the Cultural Olympiad. The ten days leading up to the Final were a wonderful experience, coaching with some of the best teachers and choreographers in the world. To perform on the breathtaking stage of the Herod Atticus Odeon, with an enthusiastic audience of over three thousand and with such an incredible atmosphere was really like a dream come true.

All of the finalists got on so well and were really supportive of each other. My Mum, Dad, ballet teacher and fellow students from Australia were in the audience to cheer me on.

To be awarded a silver medal was an incredible surprise and will remain a highlight of my dancing career forever, but I always say that the best part was the fantastic experience of dancing with and meeting students from all over the world, many of whom I am still in contact with, in one of the most spectacular theatres in the world. After the competition I was offered a contract with The Bavarian State Ballet but decided instead to accept a Scholarship to The Royal Ballet School.

I will hold the memories of my time in Athens dear to my heart forever.

Annabel Fawcett, Bronze Medallist
Annabel Fawcett, from Australia was the youngest finalist of 2004 at the age of 15. ‘I have never danced outdoors before so this was truly incredible. The audience really helped me when they clapped during my solo. The whole experience has been great. The teachers were great and it has been lots of fun.’