Diona Jones-Hicks
Studio Owner
Hi! I’m Diona Jones, the proud owner and founder of Studio Twenty-Five Dance Company.
At the heart of everything I do is a deep love for people — especially children. I’ve always believed that when you lead with kindness, create safe spaces, and truly see others for who they are, something beautiful happens. That belief is exactly what inspired me to start this studio.
Working with kids fills me with so much joy. Watching them step into their own light, build confidence, find their rhythm, and form real friendships — that’s what keeps me going. Of course, dance technique matters, but what means even more to me is the person they’re becoming along the way.
Studio Twenty-Five isn’t just a dance studio. It’s a second home. It’s a place where kids are encouraged, celebrated, and reminded that they matter — on and off the dance floor. My hope is that every family who walks through our doors feels the love, the support, and the sense of belonging we work hard to build here.
Whether your child is brand new to dance or returning for another season, I’m truly honored to be a part of their story.
Thank you for being here. I can’t wait to meet you and share in the joy of dance with your family.
Marissa M.
Studio Director
With over ten years of experience in the dance industry, Marissa Medeiros is the passionate and visionary co-founder and director of Studio Twenty-Five Dance Company. A dedicated educator, choreographer, and mentor, Marissa has trained dancers of all ages and levels, fostering not only technical excellence but also confidence, creativity, and discipline.
Marissa was born and raised in Matoaca, Virginia. She graduated from Matoaca High School in 2015 and went on to earn her Associate of Science degree from Richard Bland College and her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Virginia State University. She began her dance journey at the age of nine, training in Hip Hop, Modern, and Tap. After graduating from high school, Marissa stepped into the studio as a first-year instructor. From Kinderdance to adult Hip Hop, Miss Marissa loves working with students of all ages and styles. She has earned multiple regional and national titles, along with entertainment and choreography awards.
In her free time, she enjoys chasing after her two daughters, Gianna and Storm.
As the co-founder and director of Studio Twenty-Five Dance Company, Marissa has created a nurturing and inclusive environment where dancers can grow both as artists and individuals. Beyond the studio, she continues to inspire through choreography, teaching, and community involvement. Marissa believes in the transformative power of dance and is committed to making it both accessible and inspiring for all.
Kayla W.
Instructor
Kayla’s journey began at Lowe Dance Studio, where she trained in Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Modern, and Acrobatics. After moving to Virginia, she attended Premiere for four years. During her time at Premiere, she completed the student teaching program, working with ages 2–17 and volunteering over 400 hours. She also earned her Acro Arts Student Teaching Certification through Acrobatic Arts. Kayla graduated having completed all Acrobatic Arts levels from Primary through Pre-Professional 3 and currently holds her Acrobatic Arts Teaching Certification.
Kayla competed for 10 years, winning Regional Championships and titles including Mrs. Senior Elite Ignite in 2023 and 2024, and Mrs. Senior Elite Expressions in 2024. She has attended Nationals and numerous master classes. She has earned scholarships, won improv competitions, and received awards for outstanding performances from judges. She has also performed in front of industry professionals and Virginia-based musicians.
Outside of competition, Kayla has participated in Summer Intensives and theatrical productions. She has volunteered through Miracles in Motion, an experience that has taught her inclusivity, patience, and self-awareness—all essential qualities for a present and effective teacher in the classroom.
As she joins Studio Twenty-Five Dance Company, Kayla looks forward to the challenges of helping build a new dance company. With enthusiasm for welcoming new faces this year, she’s excited to be part of the Studio 25 family!
Jayden B.
Instructor
Jayden is a Richmond-based dance artist, educator, and visual creator with a BFA in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. Rooted in a deep passion for movement, anatomy, and community, she teaches various styles including ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, and contact improvisation, working with students ages 3 to 65. Her choreographic work has been featured in productions such as Willy Wonka with SPARC, VCU’s Roughcut Film Screening, and VCU’s Pathfinder Series. Jayden is also a certified barre instructor, a visual artist with a growing portfolio of paintings and multimedia work, and a mentor to young dancers. Through residencies, scholarships, and volunteer service, she continues to build a creative life grounded in intuition, curiosity, and care for others.
Abigail "Bee" M.
Instructor
Bee began dancing at the young age of four. Over the next thirteen years, she immersed herself in various styles, including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre. Her passion for dance sparked a deeper appreciation for the performing arts, ultimately leading her to explore the world of theatre.
Bee’s love for theatre grew alongside her dance journey, inspiring her to pursue studies in Theatre and English at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her talents have graced the stage in several prominent roles, including Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet. Her commitment to her craft shines through in each performance, bringing characters to life with energy and precision.
Her passion for directing emerged as the Head of Music and Drama at Camp Wawenock in Maine, where she directed eight shows over two summers. Bee’s directorial experience extends to assistant directing RENT at Virginia Commonwealth University’s mainstage theatre. She has also choreographed musical productions such as Singin’ in the Rain, Once Upon a Mattress, and Into the Woods, blending her dance expertise with her theatrical vision.
In her free time, Bee enjoys reading, playing video games, and working at the barre. She is thrilled to share her extensive theatrical and dance skills with her students, inspiring them to explore their creativity and passion for the arts.
Devon C
Instructor
Devon Custalow, a Virginia native, has long been a devoted spectator and performer in the arts. He began his artistic journey at Henrico High School in the Center for the Arts program, focusing on Musical Theatre and Dance. He then transitioned to Shenandoah University, where he pursued studies in History and Dance.
Recently, Devon relocated to New York City, where he completed the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School's Jazz and Contemporary Program. Since then, he has worked professionally in various productions as a performer and choreographer. Currently, he travels between New York City and Virginia, where he teaches, choreographs, and dances in various genres.
As the creative force behind the DevChoreo brand, Devon offers unique classes such as “Pump N Pumps: Heels Classes,” alongside a diverse range of other dance genres. His passion for teaching and choreography continues to inspire and engage dancers of all levels.
T'Keira S.
Instructor
Raised in Southern Virginia, she is a versatile background dancer with a foundation in modern, jazz, hip hop, reggae, and ballet. Her dynamic style and technical precision bring energy and professionalism to every performance. Known for her creativity, connecting with dancers of all ages and skill levels. With a passion for movement and storytelling, she is a powerful presence both on stage and in the studio.
Nyaijah C.
Instructor
With a decade of experience and every style of dance in her repertoire, Nyaijah is here to bring the funk and the sass! Whether it's tap, jazz, or anything in between, she’s got the moves, the energy, and the passion to make every class a vibe. Get ready to work hard, have a blast, and leave it all on the floor. Nayijah isn’t just about teaching; she’s about pushing limits, building confidence, and bringing the heat. Come dance with her and get ready to feel the funk!
Carson I.
Instructor
A well-rounded and experienced dancer, Carson has trained extensively in all styles of dance—including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, and more. Her versatility and strong technical foundation allow her to connect with dancers of all ages and skill levels. Carson brings a dynamic blend of passion, creativity, and energy to the classroom, with a special love for Lyrical and Hip Hop. Her classes are expressive, empowering, and filled with motivation—making them the perfect space for dancers to grow in confidence and artistry. In addition to her dance experience, we’re incredibly proud of Carson for recently earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration—a milestone that reflects her commitment to excellence both in and out of the studio.
Kaylynn G.
Instructor
Kaylynn began her dance journey at the age of 2 and added baton twirling to her repertoire by age 4. With a strong foundation in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, and Baton, she has grown into a well-rounded and dynamic performer.
A dedicated twirler, Kaylynn served as the Feature Twirler for Prince George High School for the past three years, after beginning as a Co-Twirler during her freshman year. She played a pivotal role in launching the school's twirl team, where she not only performed but also choreographed routines and mentored younger members. With eight years of fire baton experience, Kaylynn brings a unique and captivating element to her performances that continues to impress audiences. A recent graduate of Prince George High School, she will be attending Richard Bland College this fall, where she plans to study for two years before continuing her education in the field of veterinary medicine.
Taleah R.
Administrative Assistant
Meet Taleah – our amazing front desk assistant here at Studio 25 Dance Company!
She’s the bright, welcoming face you’ll see when you walk in. From helping with registration and answering questions to keeping things organized behind the scenes, Taleah helps make the studio run smoothly. Her love for working with kids and her calm, positive energy make her a key part of our Studio 25 family!
She’s the bright, welcoming face you’ll see when you walk in. From helping with registration and answering questions to keeping things organized behind the scenes, Taleah helps make the studio run smoothly. Her love for working with kids and her calm, positive energy make her a key part of our Studio 25 family!
