En Pointe Newsletter
Keeping you on point with Mill Ballet and Roxey Ballet
April 3, 2026
A Look Ahead...
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April 3-6: School closed for Easter break
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April 11: NJ Ballad at Old York Cellars
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May 1: Latin Creations at Mill Ballet
April Showers Bring May Flowers
How we are growing this spring!
This spring we at the Mill Ballet are truly blossoming! March 20th - March 22nd our trainee dancers stepped beyond the familiar walls of our studios and into a larger artistic arena at the Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival—an environment filled with passionate young artists, diverse styles, and some of the most respected instructors in the region.
And they didn’t just attend.
They arrived.
They entered every class with curiosity. With humility. With a hunger to grow. They listened deeply, worked fearlessly, and embraced each challenge as an opportunity. What we witnessed was not just participation—it was purpose in motion.
As directors, there are moments that affirm everything you believe in. Watching our dancers fully engage in this experience—open, focused, and committed—was one of those moments.
What stood out even more was how powerfully their training held up in the room.
The discipline.
The musicality.
The work ethic.
The respect for the art form.
These are not accidents. These are the direct results of the environment we cultivate every day at Mill Ballet School.
Our philosophy has always been clear:
We are not just training dancers—we are developing artists, thinkers, and resilient human beings.
We believe in meeting each student where they are, while guiding them toward where they are capable of going. We believe in building strong technical foundations, but also in nurturing artistry, individuality, and voice. We believe that growth happens not only through success, but through challenge, reflection, and perseverance.
And most importantly—we believe that excellence is built through consistent, intentional work over time.
The feedback from festival instructors affirmed what we already know: our dancers are on a meaningful path. They are prepared. They are respected. And they are ready to continue rising.
We are especially proud to celebrate two of our own—Mirabel Roxey and Megan Shipp—for being awarded scholarships at the festival. This recognition is a reflection of their dedication, artistry, and the commitment they bring into the studio each and every day. We honor their achievement and look forward to all that lies ahead for them.
But what inspired us most was what came after.
They returned not satisfied—but energized.
Not finished—but motivated.
With a deeper understanding of their craft and a renewed commitment to their training.
This is what true education in the arts looks like.
This weekend was not just an event.
It was a reminder.
That when preparation meets opportunity—growth is inevitable.
Come May 7 the trainees will head to Albany, New York to participate and perform Tara Jarboe's piece, "What We Carry", at the Regional Dance America Festival.
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"What We Carry" explores the tension within each of us as we navigate simultaneous conflicting emotions - particularly holding joy and grief side by side. Tara's choreographic style aims to fuse ballet technique with contemporary movement and strong emotional connections. Her goal for the trainee dancers is to bring the technique they work hard on in class daily, while exploring a movement style that is less familiar for them. Dance is also a tremendous outlet for creative and emotional expression. As young dancers it can be extremely challenging to be brave enough to tap into extremely personal emotions and experiences to convey the story of a piece. It is Tara's hope that these dancers allow themselves to be fully present in this experience and see if they might learn something about themselves along the way.
We will look forward to the trainees shining bright and representing all that is Mill Ballet!
Celebrate National Dance Week at Mill Ballet (April 18 - April 24)
Bring a friend!
We’re excited to celebrate the joy, creativity, and community that dance brings to our lives! At Mill Ballet, this special week is all about sharing our love of movement—and what better way to do that than by inviting a friend to join you in class?
Throughout the week, students are encouraged to bring a friend to experience the magic of dance firsthand. Whether your friend is brand new or has danced before, our classes are a welcoming space to try something new, have fun, and connect with others.
Dance offers so many incredible benefits for students of all ages. Physically, it helps build strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall fitness. Mentally, dance enhances focus, discipline, and memory while providing a creative outlet for self-expression. Emotionally, it boosts confidence and reduces stress, helping students feel happier and more balanced. And perhaps most importantly, dance fosters friendships and a strong sense of community—something we cherish deeply at Mill Ballet.
Bringing a friend to class is a wonderful way to share these benefits. It allows students to step into a leadership role, build confidence, and enjoy the experience together. For new dancers, it’s the perfect introduction in a supportive and encouraging environment.
As we celebrate National Dance Week, we also invite families to explore our upcoming summer dance programs which run from June 29-August 14. Dance is not a seasonal sport! If have already registered, encourage a friend to join you and every referral will provide you with a $50 credit!
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Join us in celebrating the power of dance—invite a friend, step into the studio, and discover all the ways dance can inspire, energize, and uplift!
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We can’t wait to dance with you!
Join us this summer for Musical Theater Pathway!
A Shared Vision: How Mill Ballet and Ladybug Arts Inspire Growth Beyond the Stage
At first glance, Mill Ballet and Ladybug Arts may seem like two distinct artistic spaces—each with its own disciplines, performances, and programs. Yet at their core, both organizations are guided by a deeply aligned philosophy: the belief that the arts are not just about performance, but about personal transformation.
The story behind Ladybug Arts begins with a quiet, introspective child—one who felt the world intensely but lacked the words to express it. Music became that language. Writing songs offered a safe place for emotions to exist and be understood. Later, theater opened new doors, creating space for exploration, confidence, and belonging. These early experiences revealed something powerful: the arts can give voice to the unseen and strength to the uncertain.
This belief was reinforced by a pivotal mentor—a music teacher who saw beyond talent and into the person. By nurturing confidence, encouraging risk-taking, and fostering a safe, supportive environment, he helped shape not just an artist, but a resilient and self-assured individual. That experience became the foundation for Ladybug Arts.
Similarly, the leadership at Mill Ballet embraces this same ethos. While technical excellence and artistic achievement are important, they are not the ultimate goal. Like Ladybug Arts, Mill Ballet understands that the true impact of arts education lies in how it shapes the individual. In both spaces, students are more than performers—they are people discovering who they are.
At Ladybug Arts, the mission is clear: to cultivate compassionate, confident, and community-minded young people. Performances are simply a byproduct of a deeper purpose. Students are encouraged to take creative risks, build meaningful relationships, and experience the power of collaboration. They are seen, heard, and valued—essential elements for authentic growth.
Mill Ballet mirrors this philosophy through its own commitment to fostering confidence, discipline, and self-expression. Students are guided not only to refine their craft, but to develop a strong sense of self and connection to others. In both organizations, the studio becomes a place of belonging—a space where young people can safely explore, fail, grow, and ultimately thrive.
What unites these two organizations is a shared understanding: the arts are a vehicle for transformation. Whether through dance, music, or theater, students are given the tools to express themselves, to connect with others, and to step into their full potential.
The ultimate goal is not just to create skilled performers, but to nurture individuals who leave stronger, more confident, and more fully themselves. Both Mill Ballet and Ladybug Arts stand as powerful examples of how arts education, when rooted in empathy and purpose, can shape lives far beyond the stage.
Help Us Celebrate 30 Years of Mill Ballet School
​Visit the dance boutique at the studio to purchase a Mill Ballet School “vintage" t-shirt, inspired by the ballet box that sparked a young Melisssa Roxey's love of dance. Wear your t-shirt proudly and help us continue to grow!
