by June Portnoy

The Mill Ballet School in Lambertville, NJ is a world class training facility dedicated to only the highest standards of classical and contemporary dance. It is open to both career-oriented students, as well as those who wish to study classical and contemporary dance for the pure enjoyment, inherent benefits and lifelong appreciation of the art.

Its mission is to open the artistic and creative door to the art of dance and assist all dance students in their walk through that door while encouraging an understanding and lifelong appreciation of the art of dance. The school was founded in 1996 by Melissa and Mark Roxey after many years of experience as professional principal dancers and teachers around the globe. 

“The Mill Ballet School is known as an exceptional dance school that provides a relevant dance education to its students,” says Mark, the school’s associate director.

He points out that “this is not a commercial dance school where the focus is on recitals and competitions. We produce highly educated dance students who have the tools and knowledge needed to pursue a career in dance.”

Many of its former students are dancing on Broadway and in ballet and modern companies. Students have also used their training to pursue careers in dance education, theater, journalism, and more.

“However, we teach everyone, regardless of their goals,” says Mark. “The training should not discriminate based on the goals and aspirations of each student. All students, both young and old, benefit greatly from quality dance education.”

Its teachers are former professional dancers or dance educators with degrees in dance. Most importantly all teachers are able to connect with their students in a positive and constructive manner.

Not only are the teachers highly educated in the art of dance, they are able to inspire and motivate students to be the best they can be through their passion of dance. Students are taught in a healthy and nurturing environment.

“It’s important to build technically proficient dancers while also developing well-rounded students,” says Mark.

The Mill Ballet welcomes students ages three and up, and offers 75 different dance classes each week, ranging from ballet and pointe to jazz and hip hop. It also provides adult classes and separate boys’ classes.

The Mill Ballet School is currently accepting applications for the fall session, which begins September 17th.

To register or to schedule an appointment to discuss your appropriate placement in classes, call 609-397-7244. Also, visit www.millballetschool.com for more information.

The Mill Ballet School works in partnership with Roxey Ballet, a non-profit organization that delivers artistic and cultural excellence through professional dance performances.

Roxey Ballet is one of only three professional dance companies in New Jersey. It has 14 world-class dancers, directed by Mark and Melissa Roxey.

Over the years, Roxey Ballet has evolved into a highly regarded professional dance company with internationally recognized artists from around the world. The company has performed around the country including New York City and during the inauguration of President Obama.

Every holiday season, Roxey Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.” Auditions for “The Nutcracker” will take place September 15th from noon until 2:00pm at the Canal Studio Complex at 243 N. Union Street, where all rehearsals and classes for Roxey Ballet and the Mill Ballet School are held. 

“The Nutcracker” will be performed the weekend after Thanksgiving through December 10th.

For more information about Roxey Ballet, call 609-397-7616 or visit www.roxeyballet.org.

Says Mark, “Our hope is to teach every single one of our students the power of the arts and the beauty of dance.”

PHOTO CAP: Mark and Melissa Roxey, founders of The Mill Ballet School