David and Elyse Roxander … Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, husband and wife, David and Elyse Roxander, have been teaching dance, directing and choreographing for over 20 years. They have trained and worked with children of all ages and abilities - from those seeking and attaining a professional career to those simply enjoying the process and the pride one feels from working on an art form and achieving their goals.
With a grand opening on September 9, 2009, this state of the art dance and movement arts academy is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Roxanders mother, Jody White. Before her passing a promise was made that she would never be forgotten and that all of the children who came through the doors of Studio Roxander would know her. A dance teacher herself of over 55 years, she was and, through the Roxanders, will continue to inspire and educate thousands of children. It is our greatest wish that our studio environment will aid in instilling in our students a great respect and love for all art forms.
With a strong background in classical ballet and performing arts, both David and Elyse bring a tangible joy and love for the theatre into the classroom.
Copyright Studio Roxander, LLC www.studioroxander.com All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Website By RedFuel.net
Melyssa Williams began dancing at the age of five, after her mother took her to see a production of The Nutcracker. It was love at first sight and she begged for ballet lessons. Her passion for dancing led early on to a love for teaching and Melyssa began assistant teaching as a young teenager. Because she was homeschooled, Melyssa was able to travel across Oregon, Idaho and Washington for auditions and rehearsals and train under several teachers including Afshin Mofid, Deborah Friedman, Rueben Edinger, and Shanna Bereska.
Melyssa joined the Idaho Shakespeare Festival as a featured dancer in their production of Twelfth Night. She also joined and performed with a flamenco troupe under the direction of Nisa Torreon-Thebo. Her homeschooling again came in handy when she graduated early and enrolled at Boise State University where she began performing professionally with Idaho Dance Theater, a contemporary dance company, under the direction of Alfred and Marla Hansen. When Ms. Hansen recommended her to a fellow teacher in the area, Melyssa's love for teaching children the art of dance was reignited. Melyssa has taught children ages 3 through adult and enjoys all levels and ages. She especially loves keeping in touch with her former students and seeing where their love of ballet has taken them.
In 1998 Melyssa married an opera singer, and as a result, they now have three highly dramatic, theatrical children! Besides dancing, Melyssa loves reading and writing and writes a regular column for Home Educating Family Magazine - a leading home education magazine.
Katelyn Hope began her dance training in earnest at age 9. She was invited to audition for All That Jazz's children's performance group, Kid's Company, when she was only 10. Through her preteen and teen years, as a part of Intermediate and Advanced Production, Katelyn has competed, performed and trained across the Western States, New York, Florida and Europe. She has trained in studio and at conventions with Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Gregg Russell, Wes Veldink, and other professionals too numerous to list. Katelyn has a great contemporary style in both tap and hip hop, and is known for her upbeat personality in class and out.
