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Roxander hired by Pennsylvania Ballet Ashton Roxander Saturday Jun 3, 2017 at 5:08 PM Professional ballet dancer Ashton Roxander recently vaulted to a new level of success in his career: The Pennsylvania Ballet hired Ashton as a full-time company member, skipping the first year usually spent as an apprentice, according to a press release. Ashton is the oldest son of David and Elyse Roxander, the owners of Studio Roxander Academy of Ballet in Medford. David Roxander said in the release that Ashton competed against dancers from China, Brazil and other countries for the job, which is likened to "an NFL contract in football.” Once Ashton’s contract begins in August, he will join the American Guild of Musical Artists union. Ashton returned to Medford in mid-May and will spend the summer training with his parents. He also will perform locally in Studio Roxander’s production of “Surealia” before returning to Philadelphia. It has been a year of successes for the Roxanders. Their younger son, Jake, won the Grand Prix for the second consecutive year. The Grand Prix Award is presented to dancers who, per the jury panel, exceeded all other dancers in their division in the Classical Ballet and Contemporary/Open Dance categories. Additionally, Jake received a full scholarship to Company Experience at the Pennsylvania Ballet, where his brother will be working. Jake also will spend a week in Philadelphia watching his brother perform and take classes with the company.