Simone Coonrod

Art Form(s):

Dance & Movement

Artist Statement

Movement of all types can allow for such immediacy of understanding within the constructs of education. Barriers can be broken quickly and students can use their unique bodies to express themselves with new possibilities, gaining self confidence. After this is established, moving and connecting with others in a healthy, respectful manner leads to much opportunity for interpersonal connections and building a dynamic community. "Where Artistry Meets Fun" is Simone's underlying motto while leading a group.

Artist Bio

Simone uniquely combines musical education, dance studies, athletic training, and a natural gift for musical movement while embodying her studio’s motto “Where Artistry Meets Fun”. Her enthusiastic study of dance has brought her into many different worlds and styles of dance and movement with a passion for understanding it’s essence.

The creator of Moving Beat Studio® and Swinging with Simone®, Simone has kept her studio alive for 15 years bringing her vision of dance to national and local workshops, universities, public schools, and the public at large receiving a lot of attention in the press.

As a passionate artist, Simone has taught and studied in Argentina, Italy, Cuba, Switzerland, England, Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Japan. Simone is one of the pioneers of the resurgence of swing dance in Manhattan in the 90’s and has won numerous competitions. She was instrumental in bringing a swing dance to New Jersey.

Simone’s varied dance troupe performances include Modern, Swing, Latin, Polish, Mexican, and Russian. Her various performances include Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, PBS, Irving Plaza, and The Newark Museum.

Simone’s other credits include a MA in Music Performance and a champion gymnast in the university level.