(FRENCHTOWN, NJ) -- Roxey Ballet is proud to announce that Samaana Mehta and Jocelyn McKeown will be stepping into one of the most beloved roles of the holiday season — Clara in The Nutcracker. Both dancers are already in the full swing of rehearsals, preparing to bring this timeless character to life on stage.

Clara is at the heart of The Nutcracker’s magical story. On Christmas Eve, she receives a gift that sparks her imagination — a nutcracker doll that transforms into a valiant prince. Through Clara’s eyes, audiences journey from the glow of a holiday party to a dazzling battle with the Mouse King, and finally into the enchanting Land of Sweets, where dreams dance and wonder reigns.

"Playing the role of Clara is an honor and also a fun challenge.  The rehearsals are long, but with each rehearsal I feel more and more confident with my ballet technique.  I'm excited for the performances ahead!"  - Samaana Mehta, 7th Grade NMS

Roxey Ballet’s The Nutcracker has become a treasured tradition for families throughout the region. With lavish costumes, spectacular sets, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, this year’s performances promise to immerse audiences once again in Clara’s magical dreamworld — with Jocelyn and Samaana guiding the way. Join them at the 30th Anniversary Nutcracker running at Villa Victoria Theater from November 29th- December 7th, 2025. 

Use discount code “CLARA15” for 15% off your Nutcracker Tickets until October 10th, 11:59pm. For more information and tickets visit roxeyballet.org/nutcracker

The Roxey Ballet began in 1995 as the Hunterdon Youth Ballet when professional dancers, Mark and Melissa Roxey, brought world-class professional dance training and performance opportunities to Hunterdon County, New Jersey and Bucks  County, Pennsylvania. Mark and Melissa both had distinguished careers with American dance companies including The Joffrey Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, and Dayton Ballet, among  others.

As the regional youth ballet company began to grow, the trustees of the Hunterdon County Youth Ballet changed its name to The Roxey Ballet Company, Inc to reflect its clear direction and development into an outstanding touring professional dance company with a superb roster of internationally recognized artists from all over the world. Today audiences enjoy more than 70 repertory works and a wide range of  full-length ballets.

The company has performed extensively around the country including New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Washington DC for the 2008 Inauguration of President Obama. The company is currently experiencing  a major transition in its life cycle and is committed to procuring high-quality artists and original repertory works from emerging and established choreographers. 

The Roxey Ballet's typical season includes performances from September through June of each year, including a Fall main-stage concert, the holiday classic production of The Nutcracker, a Winter event, and Children's Classic Stories spring productions. The remainder of the season is spent conducting a variety of services and concerts, from  educational performances, workshops, and residencies, to master classes  and touring.

The Mill Ballet School is the official school of Roxey Ballet.