In the world of dance, injuries are an unfortunate yet inevitable reality. Dancers are not only artists but also elite athletes who push their bodies to incredible limits. However, an injury doesn’t have to mean a setback—it can be a transformative opportunity for growth. At the Mill Ballet School, we believe that navigating injury with intention can propel a dancer forward, often leading to a stronger, smarter, and more resilient artist. Observation as a Tool for Growth When dancers are actively training, the focus often centers on execution—doing rather than deeply understanding. An injury forces a pause, creating a powerful opportunity to observe, reflect, and analyze. By listening to instructors and attentively watching peers, injured dancers often experience breakthrough “aha” moments that deepen their understanding of technique and artistry. This period of observation sharpens the mind, enabling dancers to absorb corrections and insights they might have missed while dancing. Investigating the “Why” Behind Injury An injury presents a chance to investigate the root causes—Why did this happen? Was it due to improper alignment, muscle imbalance, or overuse? Understanding the “why” is crucial to preventing future injuries. At the Mill Ballet School, we emphasize proactive injury prevention through technique refinement, cross-training, and building body awareness. Dancers learn to strengthen areas of weakness, address imbalances, and build the resilience needed to perform at their best. Training the Body Beyond the Injury A lower leg injury, for example, may limit a dancer’s ability to jump or turn, but it doesn’t have to stop progress. Injured dancers are encouraged to refine their upper body strength, musicality, and expression. Taking class from a chair can be a powerful exercise in isolation and control—demonstrating that dance is far more than just feet and legs. Exploring the work of companies like Dancing Wheels and AXIS Dance Company can be incredibly inspiring, proving that dance has no boundaries. Reinforcing Fundamentals Injured dancers can also use their time to observe or assist in lower-level classes. Revisiting fundamentals like sauté and chassé with the wisdom of experience offers new perspectives, reinforcing the importance of basic technique. Assisting younger students during recovery allows dancers to deepen their own understanding while staying connected to the art form. Stay Engaged with a Curious Mind Injuries can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be setbacks. At the Mill Ballet School, we teach dancers to approach injury with patience, curiosity, and a determination to learn. Sitting on the sidelines doesn’t mean being inactive—it’s an opportunity to grow as a dancer and an artist. Embrace the pause, and you may find yourself leaping forward.

Why Pre-school Dance Classes Matter: Preschool dance classes , when guided with expertise and intention, are so much more than just fun and movement. These classes can teach young children essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making while nurturing their creativity and developing their fine and gross motor skills. Yet, too often, preschool dance classes devolve into what looks like disorganized chaos. Why? Because many passionate instructors are not equipped with the specialized tools needed to engage preschoolers in meaningful ways. Teaching preschoolers is not simply about teaching dance technique. It’s about introducing them to structure, communication, respect for themselves and others, and the joy of learning—all within an age-appropriate framework. Preschoolers don’t need rigid terminology or exercises designed for older students. Teaching them steps like plié or battement tendu without context can quickly lead to disinterest or frustration. Instead, lessons should tap into their vivid imaginations. For example: • A plié becomes “opening a window” —What shape is your window and what is outside? • A tendu becomes “ drawing a line with your magic pencil” —What color is your pencil and describe your line? By using these relatable, imaginative cues, we create an experience that is fun, engaging, and perfectly suited to their developmental stage. The magic of teaching preschool dance lies not in choreography but in connection. Reaching them where they are developmentally allows us to build a solid foundation of discipline, creativity, and joy that benefits them not just in dance but in every aspect of their lives. I’ve often been told I have a “ magic touch” with preschoolers, keeping them focused and engaged. While I love the idea of magic, I know the real secret: teaching effectively means understanding how to reach them. By meeting them where they are, we inspire curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, setting the stage for a lifetime of growth in both dance and beyond. Preschool dance isn’t just about movement—it’s about planting the seeds for confidence, creativity, and success. Let’s give our youngest dancers the tools they need to thrive, both in and out of the studio. - Melissa Roxey

Hello, Mill Ballet School family and friends. We’re excited to announce the return of our official blog, Behind the Curtain ! While it’s been a while since our last post, we’re bringing it back as a dynamic complement to our biweekly newsletter, En Pointe. Our newsletter will continue to deliver the essential updates you need about events, schedules, and important school announcements. Behind the Curtain  will go one step further—providing deeper dives into the world of dance, sharing educational content, and offering unique glimpses into life at Mill Ballet School. Here’s what you can look forward to on the blog: Inspiring Stories : Meet our students, hear from our instructors, and learn about the passion that fuels our school. Educational Features : From dance tips to performance insights, we’ll share valuable knowledge to enrich your dance journey. Behind-the-Scenes Moments : Get an insider’s look at how we bring the magic of dance to life every day. Encouraging New Faces : Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or simply curious about starting, this blog is for everyone interested in dance. Think of the blog as a space to explore the artistry, creativity, and joy that make Mill Ballet School so special—giving you even more reasons to love being part of our community. Stay tuned for our first post: "Debunking the Myth of Summer Intensives,"  on Thursday, January 23, where we’ll tackle common misconceptions and shed light on why summer training is an invaluable opportunity for dancers at every level. We’re so glad you’re here. Let us know if there’s something you’d love to see featured on the blog, and get ready for exciting posts ahead! Warmly, The Mill Ballet School Team

Debunking the Myth of Summer Intensives It’s that time of year when summer intensive programs dominate the dance world. Over the past 15 years, I’ve watched these programs become big business, creating stress and anxiety for young dancers who feel pressured to attend well-advertised intensives. However, I want to reassure parents and dancers: attending a prestigious summer intensive is not a requirement for pursuing a professional dance career—especially for those under 16. While attending an intensive away from home can be exciting, it can also cause unnecessary emotional and physical stress, particularly for dancers aged 12–16 who are navigating complex emotional development and heightened body awareness. At this age, dancers are deeply influenced by peers, and in environments where emotional and physical well-being may not be prioritized, the experience can sometimes lead to burnout or even a loss of passion for dance. As a professional dancer and educator with over 35 years of experience, I’ve seen both sides. Some families have heeded my advice, while others have not. I vividly recall talented young dancers attending big-name intensives, only to quit dance altogether afterward. Personally, I attended intensives starting in eighth grade and often felt more excited to return home than anything else. Looking back, I realize I would have benefited far more from staying home and focusing on personalized training during those formative years. So, what’s the best way to keep your passionate dancer engaged over the summer? First, prioritize rest!  Like all athletes, dancers need downtime to reset their bodies. I recommend 2–3 weeks off with activities like swimming or biking to cross-train. Afterward, enroll in your studio’s summer programs, supplemented with private lessons and coaching. This approach ensures steady progress while nurturing a dancer’s emotional and physical well-being. When planning your dancer’s summer, consider these benefits of staying home and the myths surrounding summer intensives: Why Staying Home Can Be Better for Young Dancers Individualized Attention Home studio faculty know your dancer deeply—their strengths, areas for improvement, and emotional needs. This personalized guidance is often missing in large programs, where dancers can feel like just another face in the crowd. Holistic Development Home training fosters balanced growth, emphasizing confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset alongside technique. Your local teachers are better equipped to mentor your dancer as a whole person. Accelerated Progress with Private Coaching Redirecting the resources spent on intensive programs toward private lessons allows for targeted focus on technique and artistry. One-on-one coaching often produces faster, more meaningful results than general instruction in large groups. Reduced Stress Being away from home during critical emotional and physical development stages can be overwhelming. Staying local provides the comfort and support of family and familiar teachers, reducing the risk of burnout. Strong Foundations for Long-Term Success Training in a familiar environment allows young dancers to build strong technical and artistic foundations without distractions. This consistent growth is essential for future opportunities. Financial and Logistical Ease Summer intensives are costly and time-consuming. Staying home allows families to invest in year-round, high-quality training without financial strain or logistical challenges. Debunking Myths About Summer Intensives Myth 1: You need a big-name program to succeed. Reality:  Many successful dancers build their careers through consistent training at home. Success comes from dedication, not a program’s name. Myth 2: Intensives are essential for networking. Reality:  Networking opportunities will come naturally with time and experience. Young dancers don’t need to rush into them before they’re ready. Myth 3: Intensives provide superior training. Reality:  While some programs are excellent, they often prioritize volume over individualized attention. Home studios with smaller class sizes and personalized coaching often deliver more effective training. Staying home offers young dancers the opportunity to grow steadily in an environment that prioritizes their overall well-being. By taking advantage of local resources—including private lessons, coaching, and mentorship—dancers can develop strong foundations, confidence, and artistry at their own pace. - Melissa Roxey