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Hi.

I’m Kirstin. If you love art, architecture, fashion, jewellery, literature, wine or anything stylish then read on! I’ll share my travel stories and experiences with you here, or you can follow the highlights on Instagram. I hope you find some inspiration for your next adventure!

The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition Final, London. "In Step" Magazine

The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition Final, London. "In Step" Magazine

Earlier this year, TORY & KO. Jewellers co-founded by Victoria Taylor (designer, jeweller and gemologist) and Kirstin O’Brien (a second-generation jeweller) had the honour of collaborating with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) to design a bespoke jewellery piece for the winner of the prestigious Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition. Held at His Majesty’s Theatre in London on 8th September 2024 this event was a celebration of ballet’s finest young talents.

Reflecting on this special occasion, Kirstin O’Brien shares her London ballet experience…

Published in Royal Academy of Dance In Step Magazine 2024

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/44372fcb47.html#page/10



Victoria Taylor and Kirstin O'Brien of TORY & KO. Jewellers presenting Ariana Hond with her Audience Award Tiara at the Genee International Ballet Competition

Our collaboration with the RAD stemmed from my deep love of ballet, having been a dancer and ballet teacher myself, and TORY & KO. Jewellers’ previous work with the Royal Academy of Dance in 2012 when we created a stunning tiara for the Genée International Ballet Competition held in Wellington. Victoria designed that piece which we awarded onstage at the St James Theatre to Ariana Hond, winner of the Silver Medal and the Audience Award Prize.

Over the years, I developed a connection with Luke Rittner, the former CEO of Royal Academy of Dance, who visited our Jewellery Boutique in New Zealand when we showcased our Tiara to staff and friends of the ballet prior to the Genée Competition. A year later, I was lucky enough to meet the newly appointed CEO Tim Arthur and former Artistic Director Gerard Charles when they visited TORY & KO. Jewellers boutique on their subsequent trips to New Zealand and we kept the idea open of TORY & KO. creating a bespoke piece of of jewellery which would be presented to the Fonteyn Gold Medal winner, a piece that needed to embody elegance, tradition and inclusivity.

Fonteyn Gold Medal Award Etoile Pendant designed and made by TORY & KO. Jewellers 2024

Victoria’s design was inspired by the “étoile” and the circular pearls featured on the Royal Academy of Dance official crest. After thoughtful collaboration via Zoom and e-mail, we crafted a pendant/brooch featuring a sparkling moissanite set within a star motif (étoile) surrounded by a circular emblem.

The result is a timeless piece that can be worn by both male and female recipients, reflecting the spirit of excellence in dance.

The Fonteyn Pendant/Brooch ready to be hand delivered to London!

Wrapped up in a luxury jewellery box and secure in my hand luggage I personally presented the Gold Medal Award to the Royal Academy of Dance Headquarters in London the day before the Final and was privileged to see some of the finalists rehearsing.

A highlight was to reunite with former Artistic Director and Producer of The Fonteyn, Lynn Wallis OBE, who had visited TORY & KO Jewellers in 2012. It was wonderful to catch up with Sarah-Jane Lewis, Head of Events and Special Projects who kindly gave me a tour of the new studio spaces at the RAD. The tour concluded with some beautiful images of Margot Fonteyn and a glimpse of a pair of her point shoes!

The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition - Night of the Final…

Dress Circle seats for The Fonteyn

Georgina Robbins - Bronze Medal Sponsor and Kirstin O’Brien

The night of the Final had arrived. Stepping out of the black London cab outside His Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday 8th September I felt a rush of excitement. Years of discussions and dreaming of being there were finally realised. The elegant crowd mingled in anticipation as we entered the grand venue.

I walked up the stairs into the reception area and had the pleasure of meeting fellow sponsors, including Georgina Robbins (the generous Bronze Medal Sponsor), who introduced me to many important people over a glass of champagne before taking our seats in the Dress Circle. A glorious night celebrating dance, talent and the arts was about to start as Tim Arthur welcomed us all to His Majesty’s Theatre. As the lights dimmed RAD Artistic Director (and former Principal of The Royal Ballet), Alexander Campbell set the stage for an unforgettable showcase of talent and creativity.

The Final evening was a tour de force of brilliant dancing, a show of musicality, technique and the dancers’ own choreography.
— Kirstin O'Brien


On stage, the performances were a testament to the dancers’ musicality, technique and artistry, making the judges’ task particularly challenging. Esteemed members of the judging panel included RAD President Dame Darcey Bussell DBE; Alessandra Ferri OMRI (former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet, The American Ballet Company and Artistic Director Designate of the Wiener Staatsballett); and Director of the Royal Ballet Kevin O’Hare CBE. With such ballet royalty in the judging panel the contestants danced sublimely on the glorious theatre stage to a packed audience.

The Fonteyn 2024 Finalists, Medalists and Judges

The conclusion of the dancing had the audience excited and the dancers waiting nervously on stage… When the winners were announced, it was a moment of joy and pride. Double Bronze Medalists Alfie-Lee Hall (Britain) and Ernesto Young (Australia) received their honours, with Young also taking home the Dancer’s Own Choreographic Award. Silver Medalist Lydia Hough (Britain) also won the Audience Choice Award while the Musicality Award was presented to Christie Anderson (UK). Finally, Antonia Maria Cramb (UK) was named the Gold Medal winner. She was visibly elated as she received the TORY & KO. Gold Medal Pendant/Brooch from Dame Darcey Bussell.

Gold Medalist Antonia Maria Cramb with her Fonteyn Medal and special TORY & KO. Jewellers Gold Medal Pendant


Tim Arthur’s closing remarks were both heartfelt and inspiring. He expressed gratitude to all those involved in making the event a success and surprised me with a special mention of TORY & KO’s contribution and the wonderful time he had visiting Victoria and I at TORY & KO. Jewellers when he was in New Zealand, much to my surprise and delight!


While the dancers had their official photos onstage, the judges, sponsors and RAD invited guests mingled outside the theatre. I spotted last year’s Fonteyn Gold Medalist Jakob Wheway-Hughes and congratulated him on his incredible performance and achievement. After watching him perform last year online from New Zealand it was fantastic to meet him in person. A gracious young man with an amazing career of dance ahead of him.

Chandelier gifted by King George IV

I was privileged to be invited to attend the Post Final Reception as a guest of the Royal Academy of Dance. Georgina Robbins and some of the other sponsors and I walked over to 116 Pall Mall to attend this celebratory Reception. It was held in a glorious Georgian building featuring a commanding staircase with the original Chandelier donated by King George IV to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo.

A grand setting to celebrate the evening’s achievements.

Celebrating the dancer’s incredible efforts at this Post Final Reception was a fitting finale to a night of inspiring dancing and glittering talent. I was delighted to meet the Gold Medalist Antonia Maria Cramb in person who proudly carried her TORY & KO. Pendant/Brooch and was happy to pose for a photo! This was a highlight of the reception.

2024 Gold Medal Winner Antonia Maria Cramb holding her TORY & KO. Jewellers Pendant/Brooch

I also had the honour of meeting RAD Artistic Director Alexander Campbell in person who suggested we commemorate the collaboration with a photo: I pinched myself to be standing next to such talent!

Kirstin O’Brien with Alexander Campbell, RAD Artistic Director and former Principal of The Royal Ballet

Kirstin at the Post Final Reception

It was a night of spectacular performances, rekindled connections and new friendships - a dream come true for a ballet lover.

Footnote: Gold Medal Award winner Antonia Maria Cramb has been accepted as an Artist with the Scottish Ballet and will be performing with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in Wellington next March. Kirstin and Victoria eagerly look forward to seeing Antonia dance and welcoming her to their jewellery boutique.

 
Art and Intrigue

Art and Intrigue