Our founders
The Roxeys
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​Melissa Roxey​
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Melissa Roxey began her formal dance training at the age of five, following the Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus. She further honed her skills at elite institutions including the School of American Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts, Joffrey Ballet, and the Pacific Northwest Ballet School, completing her professional training with the esteemed Maggie Black. At just 17, Melissa launched her professional career, first dancing as a soloist with the American Repertory Ballet before becoming a principal dancer with the Dayton Ballet Company. Her notable roles include the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Odile in Swan Lake.
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Throughout her career, Melissa has collaborated with renowned choreographers such as Septime Webre, Marjorie Mussman, Dermot Burke, and Patricia McBride. As a dedicated educator, she has taught at numerous schools across the country and is widely regarded as a master teacher. Affectionately known as the “Child Whisperer” for her exceptional ability to connect with and inspire young dancers, Melissa has extensive experience in arts education, team leadership, curriculum design, management, and arts systems development.
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In addition to her role as Founder and Executive Director of Mill Ballet School in New Hope, Pennsylvania, Melissa also serves as the Curriculum Supervisor and Arts Education Director for Roxey Ballet, which she co-founded with her husband, Mark Roxey. Melissa has led dance residencies in over 100 schools throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, making a lasting impact on communities by bringing high-quality dance education to students of all ages and backgrounds.
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Melissa also founded and formerly directed Wheels & Bodies in Motion, a program within the Arts Access Program at Matheny School and Hospital, dedicated to bringing the joy of dance to individuals with disabilities. For over 25 years, she has worked with organizations like Artists in Residence and Young Audiences to bring dance education to young people.
Her extensive background in arts management, curriculum supervision, and her leadership in creating innovative educational programs have made her a highly sought-after figure in the field. Today, she continues to lead The Mill Ballet School, where she champions artistic excellence and innovation, ensuring that future generations of dancers receive world-class training. Her work, both in the studio and through national residencies, master classes, and workshops, reflects her unwavering dedication to the transformative power of dance.
Mark Roxey
Mark Roxey began his formal dance training at The Joffrey Ballet in New York City on a full scholarship, graduating at the top of his class. He danced professionally with Joffrey Ballet Concert Company, Joffrey Ballet II, and The Joffrey Ballet under the direction of Robert Joffrey. He later joined American Repertory Ballet and Dayton Ballet as a principal dancer.
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Throughout his career, Mr. Roxey performed in works by renowned choreographers including George Balanchine, Gerald Arpino, Paul Taylor, Alvin Ailey, and Twyla Tharp, among others. He has appeared as a principal guest artist worldwide alongside his wife, Melissa Roxey, and performed with over 200 regional companies. His work has earned critical acclaim from dance critics globally.
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In addition to performing, Mr. Roxey has taught at prestigious institutions such as Princeton Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Wright State University, and Raritan Valley Community College. As founder and director of Roxey Ballet and associate director of The Mill Ballet School, he has choreographed numerous full-length ballets, including The Nutcracker, Dracula, Peter and the Wolf, and Cinderella. He has created over 50 repertory works, such as La Baliene Blanche, Celebrating Diversity, MLK, and Times Square Goodbye.
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Mr. Roxey has served as program coordinator for the Hunterdon County Teen Arts Dance Festival and adjudicator for various festivals. He has directed the dance program for Matheny’s Schools "Arts Access Program" for over a decade and was honored with the New Jersey Governor's Award for his contributions to art education.
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Beyond his artistic work, Mr. Roxey has developed programs for organizations such as Educational Services Commission and Fellowship Farm. He is an active member of Dance NJ, Dance USA, and other organizations, and has served on the Board of Trustees for Dance/USA. He has also choreographed for the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra and Westchester University.
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Mark Roxey is married to his longtime partner, Melissa Roxey, and they are proud parents of their two children, Mirabel and Benjamin.
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