Instructors
THE DIRECTORS
David Roxander Biography | Elyse Roxander Biography
David & 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 35 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 that 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.
David and Elyse were recipients of the Outstanding Teachers Award at the Youth America Grand Prix competition in Seattle, Washington in 2016 and in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2018 and 2023.
.
Laurie LeBlanc
Laurie LeBlanc, an alumna of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, began her professional career with Pennsylvania Ballet (now Philadelphia Ballet). Later she danced, served as acting artistic director and was resident choreographer of Pacific Ballet Theatre, in Portland, OR, and was a founding company member of Oregon Ballet Theatre. Ms. LeBlanc danced with Ballet Arizona in Phoenix, AZ, before her transition into musical theatre, touring and performing on Broadway in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, on tour with Nicholas Hytner’s Carousel, and in Papermill Playhouse’s production of Brigadoon. She now lives in the Los Angeles area, where she is the Associate Director and primary ballet faculty and coach of California Dance Academy and choreographs for California Dance Ensemble, their non-profit performing company. Her students and choreography have placed in the finals of YAGP, California Dance Classics, and ADC/IBC and her students are dancing professionally or participating in reputable dance programs in professional schools and colleges across the US and overseas. In 2021, Miss LeBlanc received the Award for Outstanding Teacher at the Youth American Grand Prix semi-finals in Los Angeles. She has been a guest teacher at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, School of Berkshire Ballet, San Luis Obispo Movement Arts Center, Regional Dance America’s Pacific Region Festival, among others.
Laurie joined Studio Roxander as one of our principal instructors in the Summer of 2023.
Mary Bates
Mary fell in love with ballet at age two, when she first saw 'The Nutcracker' on TV, and has been dancing since age three. She has been training with Studio Roxander ever since they opened in 2009, with the exception of one year where she lived and trained in Southern California. She has twice been Studio Roxander's Sugar Plum Fairy. It is only recently that Mary has considered teaching, but now that the idea has taken root, she is very excited to be sharing her passion for dance with the younger generations of dancers and looks forward to helping them achieve their dreams.
Holly Curran
Simultaneous with her dancing career, Holly studied American History at Columbia University, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2018.
Hanna Winters
A Southern Oregon local, Hanna trained at Studio Roxander as a teen before going off to study dance performance and choreography in college. Hanna has performed internationally as a dancer and aerialist, with credits including Troyboi Music, Quixotic Fusion, Postcards from Hotel Cassiopeia Off-Broadway, Intention Dance Company, and graced huge stages like Coachella. As a teacher, she has taught classes in dance and yoga throughout Europe and the west coast of the US. Hanna currently teaches dance and aerial, performs with Levity Circus Collective, and produces her own shows here in the Rogue Valley. Hanna is thrilled to be back and teaching contemporary and pre-school classes at Studio Roxander!