Patricia Jones Joins YA Team as Arts Education Program Associate!

Meet Patricia Jones, YA’s new Arts Education Program Associate!

Patricia Jones

Patricia “Peaches” Jones is a movement artist specializing in dances and rhythms of the African Diaspora. She has been honored to study diasporic movement, rhythm, and culture for over 20 years with amazing artists and teachers from Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Cuba, Brazil, and the United States. In addition to her artistic practice, Patricia worked in public health for over a decade dedicating her time towards her other passion for healing communities. Currently, Patricia dances with FlyGround, a movement performance company founded by Lela Aisha Jones and Kulu Mele, Philadelphia’s premier African dance ensemble. She is also working to develop choreography, classes, workshops, and experiences that utilize the healing properties of diasporic rhythms and movement to cultivate physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being for individuals and community.

As YANJEP’s new Arts Education Program Administrator, Patricia will be responsible for managing programming primarily in the Eastern Pennsylvania region.

“I am very grateful and excited to have a new role with Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern PA.  Engagement in the arts completely changed my life as a youth and continues to enhance my experiences, knowledge, and development today. Research shows that arts education promotes academic achievement, critical and creative thinking, as well as health and well-being. I also believe that the type of quality arts education that YANJEP provides does the critical work of exposing our youth to different cultures and practices while at the same time facilitating a process for them to find their own individual voices and feel empowered in their lives. It is refreshing to work for an organization where every member is dedicated and passionate about bringing these transformative experiences to every child in the region.”

Welcome Patricia!