Mill Ballet School Hosts First Annual 'Hold Your Head High/Crown Week'

The Lambertville-based Mill Ballet School, dedicated to educating, inspiring, and creating high-quality dancers and individuals, just concluded its week-long self-esteem and positive image event, "Crown Week". Students of all ages and abilities were encouraged to wear crowns, tiaras, or simply their favorite hats to class. The goal was to encourage each dancer to hold his or her head up high and celebrate what makes each student unique and special.

The idea was inspired by a conversation between Mill Ballet School co-founder Melissa Roxey and a pre-ballet student. Traditionally, dancers' hair is secured in a bun, with little or no adornment, to prevent any distractions and so that the dancers can make statements through their movements versus their fashion. In this case, the enthusiastic four-year approached Miss Melissa and expressed her desire to augment her required ballet leotard and tights with a crown. This child's excitement was contagious and her smile lit up the room. The idea of a self-esteem event began to evolve and after some thought, Melissa and the Mill Ballet School announced its first annual "Crown Week".

"I realized that we needed to have a week where we celebrated the beauty in each and every one of us," stated Melissa Roxey. "The benefits proved numerous and included improved posture, creativity, excitement, and most importantly self esteem." Melissa continued, "The beauty of dance is striving for perfection. The challenge is learning that perfection is never attainable. Sometimes it is good to simply pause and remember how far we have come, to be proud of and confident in who we are, and to hold our heads up high!"