Maltese dancer Noa Ng has made history as the first Maltese candidate ever selected to participate in the prestigious Fonteyn International Ballet Competition in London - one of the world's most respected and demanding platforms for emerging ballet talent.
Organised by the Royal Academy of Dance, The Fonteyn represents the pinnacle of achievement for young dancers globally. Candidates are selected based on exceptional technical ability, artistry, and outstanding examination results, placing Noa among an elite group of international performers.
Noa began her ballet training at the age of two at Incite Motion, where she completed her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) training under the guidance of Christiane Borg Manché, who trained her throughout her entire RAD journey and continues to coach her in all RAD work. Through years of dedication and consistent progression, Noa advanced through every level of the RAD vocational syllabus, building the technical and artistic foundation that ultimately led to her selection for The Fonteyn.
This journey culminated in Noa achieving her RAD Advanced 2 qualification with a High Distinction-a result reserved for dancers demonstrating exceptional technical precision, musicality and artistic expression. This outstanding achievement reflects Noa's dedication, perseverance and passion and marks a proud and historic moment for Maltese dance.
Earlier in her training, Noa had already demonstrated exceptional promise by qualifying for the Phyllis Bedells Bursary-a prestigious stepping stone within the RAD progression pathway. This requires dancers to achieve a distinction in their Advanced 1 examination before the age of 17, a milestone Noa surpassed with a High Distinction at just 14 years old. During the competition she was further recognised by receiving the Dancer's Own Choreography Award for a piece she both choreographed and performed, showcasing not only her performance ability but also her creativity and choreographic talent.
Noa made the decision to move to London alone at the age of 16 to pursue her professional training at Central School of Ballet. Over these past two years, she has demonstrated consistent excellence across both practical and academic studies, working hard to grow as a dancer. While training full time in London, Noa also achieved her A level in Mathematics. Noa has received strong encouragement from tutors and industry professionals, who have identified a distinctive movement quality, compelling stage presence, dynamic physicality and work ethic in her dancing. Now 18, Noa is entering her final year of professional training at the Central School of Ballet in London, where she will begin the BA Top-Up after completing her foundation degree.
In addition to her achievements within the RAD framework, she has received multiple awards and scholarships through her training at Incite Motion, Living Dance, the national televised competition- Brillanti, and international competitions such as Global Dance Open Finals.
Speaking about The Fonteyn Noa Ng said: "Being selected for The Fonteyns is an incredible honour and motivates me even more as I prepare to enter the professional world."
Her final year at Central School of Ballet will include advanced training, touring across England with Ballet Central, and collaborations with established choreographers, representing the final stage of her preparation before entering the professional dance industry.
Noa aspires to join a professional ballet company, with a particular focus on neoclassical and classical repertoire, drawing inspiration from choreographers such as William Forsythe and David Dawson.
Noa's artistic development has been made possible through the support of the Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme, the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation and the generous patronage of the Janatha Stubbs Foundation. The Dance Studio Malta has also supported her by providing her with dancewear and pointe shoes while training in London.
As Malta's first dancer to be selected for The Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, Noa's achievement represents a landmark moment for Maltese ballet and an inspiration for future generations of young dancers aspiring to perform on the international stage.