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NEWPORT, R.I. — September 22, 2026 — Newport Contemporary Ballet (NCB) has awarded Jamie Jasse Pacheco the inaugural MJ Milici Ballet Scholarship, providing financial support for the young dancer as she continues her ballet training at The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet.The scholarship was established in memory of Mary Jane “MJ” Milici, a 26-year-old Portsmouth dancer who passed away in 2026 from MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes), a rare mitochondrial disease.
Mary Jane attended Portsmouth High School and later attended Salve Regina University in Newport as a freshman before she became sick. Dance remained one of the great loves of her life, and The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet held a particularly special place in her heart.
Created by the Milici family, the scholarship honors Mary Jane’s life and her deep love of dance by helping another young dancer pursue the art that meant so much to her.
A Love of Dance and the Newport Academy
Dance was an important part of Mary Jane’s life from a young age. She trained at The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet and had the opportunity to perform leading roles in its productions.
Mary Jane once wrote about what dance and the Academy meant to her:
“My favorite season was Nutcracker Season...when I was thirteen I received my first pair of pointe shoes. Those beautiful light pink, silk shoes are a ballerina’s rite of passage. Danielle told me I had potential and it filled me with thrill and determination!”
For Mary Jane, receiving her first pair of pointe shoes was more than a milestone in her training. It represented possibility, hard work and the excitement of discovering what she might become as a dancer.
She loved performing, being on stage and being part of the Academy community. Her years dancing at the Academy created memories that remain deeply meaningful to her family.
The MJ Milici Ballet Scholarship was created as a way for that love of dance to continue. Through the scholarship, MJ’s passion for ballet will touch the life of another young dancer while creating a lasting connection between two dancers who share a love of the art.
Jamie Jasse Pacheco Named Inaugural Recipient
Jamie Jasse Pacheco was selected as the first recipient of the scholarship in recognition of her dedication to ballet, commitment to her training and enthusiasm for performing.
Jamie first became part of the Newport Contemporary Ballet community through the organization’s New Dancer Program during the 2021–2022 school year. After completing her second year in the program, she joined the NCB Academy in the fall of 2023.
Since then, Jamie has embraced many of the performance opportunities offered through Newport Contemporary Ballet. She has participated in the organization’s Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff for the past two years, performed in Danielle Genest’s Are the Crayons Quitting?, and participated in the Academy’s End of Year Showcase.
“Jamie loves to dance and brings an incredible dedication and fierce diligence each time she steps into the studio,” said Danielle Genest, Artistic & Executive Director of Newport Contemporary Ballet. “She approaches her training with determination, excitement and drive, and we have loved watching her confidence and artistry grow throughout her time with us.”
“We are so grateful that Jamie has been part of our NCB family and even more grateful that we get to continue watching her grow, discover and pursue where her love of dance will take her,” said Brooke DiFrancesco, Academy and Education Director at Newport Contemporary Ballet. “We cannot think of a more fitting recipient to carry forward the spirit of this scholarship and to honor MJ’s memory.”
“I Will Dance in Honor of Mary Jane”
Following the scholarship announcement, Jamie sent a personal note to the Milici family expressing her gratitude.
“Thank you so much for helping me continue to dance this year! I really love dancing at the Academy and this scholarship will change everything for me. I’m so sorry to hear about what happened to your daughter. I have heard she was a great dancer. Thank you again. I will dance in honor of Mary Jane and with pride.”
For the Milici family, Jamie’s words were especially meaningful.
“Mary Jane loved Newport Academy and everything about dancing,” said the Milici family. “Knowing that another young dancer will be able to continue doing what MJ loved so much is a beautiful way to honor her memory.”
The family hopes the MJ Milici Ballet Scholarship will continue supporting deserving young dancers in the years ahead, allowing Mary Jane’s love of ballet to live on through new generations of dancers.
For Mary Jane’s family, the scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It is a way to keep her connected to the Academy she loved and to the art that brought her so much happiness.
Her time on the stage may have ended, but her love of dance continues through another young dancer.
About Newport Contemporary Ballet
Newport Contemporary Ballet and The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet provide dance education and performance opportunities for students of all ages and abilities. The Academy offers training in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, hip hop and other disciplines, with opportunities for students to perform in showcases and Newport Contemporary Ballet productions.
The Academy was originally founded as the Newport Academy of Ballet in 1979 and was rebranded as The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet in 2023.
For more information, visit Newport Contemporary Ballet at https://newportcontemporaryballet.org/.
Media Contact
Danielle Genest
Artistic & Executive Director
Newport Contemporary Ballet
401-847-4470
danielle@newportcontemporaryballet.org
https://newportcontemporaryballet.org/