**Roxey Ballet Celebrates 30 Years of 

The American Holiday Classic Nutcracker

A Thanksgiving Season Tribute to Community, Legacy & The Art of Giving**

FRENCHTOWN, NJ — November 2025 — As families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania gather for Thanksgiving and turn toward the holiday season, Roxey Ballet proudly celebrates a landmark milestone: 30 years of The American Holiday Classic Nutcracker, a production that has become one of the region’s most beloved traditions and a cornerstone of community life.

Under the visionary leadership of Founders Mark and Melissa Roxey, Roxey Ballet has grown from a small, local troupe into a regional cultural institution—one that enriches the lives of thousands each year through high-quality professional dance, community engagement, and educational programming.

A Legacy 30 Years in the Making

Since its humble beginnings in the mid-1990s, Roxey Ballet’s Nutcracker has blossomed into a spectacular community tradition featuring:

• 150+ handcrafted costumes
• 80 cast members, ranging from professional artists to youth performers
• 50 dedicated volunteers supporting rehearsals, performances, and outreach
• 20+ performances, appearances, and community events annually

Each holiday season, thousands of residents from NJ and PA experience Roxey Ballet’s Nutcracker, whether at mainstage performances, sensory-friendly shows, school-day matinees, library readings, or community appearances.

Over the past three decades, this production alone has introduced tens of thousands of children to the art of dance, storytelling, and classical music—making it one of the region’s most impactful arts education programs.

The Art of Giving: A Thanksgiving Message

Just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Roxey Ballet honors the extraordinary generosity of audience members, donors, volunteers, parents, alumni, and community partners whose support has made 30 years possible.

Roxey Ballet’s work is deeply rooted in the belief that the arts have the power to transform, uplift, and unite communities. Through its Nutcracker and year-round programming, the company provides:

• Professional opportunities and a creative home for dancers and artists from across the world
• Performance access for families of all backgrounds, including sensory-friendly and inclusive shows
• Cross-community connections spanning Hunterdon, Bucks, Mercer, Somerset, and surrounding counties
• Educational outreach that inspires students across public schools, libraries, senior centers, and community venues

This commitment to accessibility, diversity, and excellence ensures that The Nutcracker remains not just a performance—but a shared cultural celebration reflecting the heart of the region.

Community Impact: More Than a Ballet—A Local Economic Engine

The 30th Anniversary season underscores how Roxey Ballet contributes to local vitality:

• Local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic during holiday performances
• Hotels, restaurants, and shops see significant seasonal activity from visiting families
• Residents enjoy high-quality arts experiences close to home
• Schools across NJ and PA rely on the Nutcracker as an annual cultural and educational tradition

“Roxey Ballet is more than a dance company—it is a powerful catalyst for community connection, creativity, and economic growth,” said Mark and Melissa Roxey. “For 30 years, we have been honored to build a home for artists, families, students, volunteers, and supporters who believe in the magic of the arts. This milestone belongs to all of them.”

A Home for Artists, a Heartbeat for the Community

Over three decades, Roxey Ballet has created a haven for professional artists from around the world, offering stable contracts, year-round work, and meaningful artistic development. At the same time, its Nutcracker has served as a welcoming doorway for tens of thousands of children who have stepped into the world of art, movement, and music—many for the very first time.

The intergenerational cast, alumni engagement, and community loyalty reflect the company’s deep roots and long-standing commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers and arts supporters.

Join the Celebration

This year’s 30th Anniversary Nutcracker (Opens Thanksgiving Weekend) - includes:

• Mainstage performances
• A Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker for neurodiverse audience members
• Nutcracker Suites & Tea Party events
• Special community appearances
• An Alumni Gathering celebrating three decades of cast, crew, and community

Tickets and full event details can be found at www.roxeyballet.org/nutcracker.

About Roxey Ballet

Roxey Ballet is a professional, non-profit dance company based in Frenchtown, NJ, serving communities across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With a mission to build meaningful bridges through dance, the company presents innovative performances, community engagement programs, and inclusive arts education designed to uplift, inspire, and connect people of all ages and backgrounds.

Press Contact:

Roxey Ballet Company

 6 7th Street, Frenchtown, NJ 08825

📞 609-397-7616

 [email protected]

 www.roxeyballet.org