Co-Artistic Director
Cynthia Jones
Cynthia Jones began dancing at the age of nine at Thompson Dance Studio where her love for dance not only took root but flourished. Cynthia has trained with numerous master teachers, at the New Jersey School of Ballet and was offered a full scholarship in preparation for the Repertory Company after auditioning for the Alvin Ailey American Dance School. Mrs. Jones graduated from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, with a B.S. in Health, Physical Education and Dance. She taught dance for 32 years in the Paterson Public School System and is now retired. Cynthia was a recipient of the 2005-2006 Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award and Paterson Education Association’s Teacher of the Year Award for the Academy of Performing Arts. Cynthia provides what young dancers need: a strong foundation in dance technique. She strives to pass on her passion for dance, knowledge of skills, and her creativity to all the students at Effusion Dance Collective.
Co-Artistic Director
Dajhia Ingram Maddox
Dajhia Ingram Maddox seeks to enrich lives and communities through ministry and the arts. Originally from Paterson, NJ, she is an advocate for arts education and believes in the power of community building through the arts. Dajhia holds a B.F.A. in Dance Education from the University of the Arts and a M.F.A. in Dance from Florida State University. Mrs. Maddox has had the great privilege of working with various choreographers and is a former member of Gina Gibney Dance, NYC. Mrs. Maddox is a former Program Manager for In-School Programs, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and is currently a Dance Teacher at Irvington High School. She is married to Allen Ricky Maddox and mother to twins, Micah and Ella. It is her desire to continue to educate and impact lives through her work at Effusion Dance Collective.
Associate Artistic Director
Melanie Jones
Melanie has over 25 years of dance experience. She has trained in Tap, Jazz, and Ballet. She began competing at the age of twelve in numerous competitions along the east coast. Melanie graduated from Clark Atlanta University where she received her BA in Mass Media Arts. While attending Clark Atlanta University, she continued to dance with the universities dance team. She earned a MA in Special Education and is a Special Education teacher. Melanie is dedicated to sharing her passion for dance with her students as Associate Artistic Director at Effusion Dance Collective.
