Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Lorese Baldwin.
Hi Simone Lorese, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a native New Yorker from Queens. I started dance training at eight years old at J-J’s Dance Studio in Queens Village, NY under the instruction of retired New York City Rockette Jeanne Ziehl and several other influential instructors.
While studying Radio/TV/Film at HBCU Howard University in Washington, D.C. I served as Program Director at student-operated radio station, 830am WHBC. This sparked my interest in the arts even more.
Wanting to bring a taste of New York City to the Low Country, as Artistic Director & Founder, I opened the doors of Selah Dance Studio, LLC in Moncks Corner, SC on May 1, 2015; instructing dancers from age 3 to adults in the art of ballet, lyrical, jazz, liturgical, and hip hop. Over the first seven seasons, the studio has grown and relocated to Goose Creek, SC.
I love tapping into talents, bringing that gift to the forefront, and I believe in giving back to the community. Awarding annual scholarships is my way of pouring into my students. I know that I’ve been blessed with opportunities and it’s my responsibility and honor to be a blessing to others.
I’ve extended my brand and in 2014 Simone Baldwin Productions was established; which serves in the area of casting, producing docuseries and production of stage performances. The premiere project was 5 Seasons of Love. A Docuseries exploring how married couples navigate their seasons of love keeping God as their source and focus. 5 Seasons of Waiting Docuseries debuted in Fall 2022. Singles shared how they navigate their singleness while living intentional lives in preparation for their purpose mate or remaining content in their singleness.
Living intentionally and in God’s purpose is the space I’m currently living in and the legacy I want to leave.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
At times it’s been difficult because the projects and business that I’ve created I had hopes that “everyone” would quickly gravitate and love it just as much as I do. Over time I just realized the beauty of a slow build allows me to intimately love on my “baby” and cultivate it until I can build a name for myself and it’s loved by others. Over these past 7 or 8 years, the business has grown beautifully, I’ve mentored some amazing kids and have had the wonderful opportunity of seeing them develop and grow up. The struggles along the way built a resilience in me and afforded me the ability to tap into my “WHY?”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the Artistic Director and Owner of Selah Dance Studio and the Owner of Simone Baldwin Productions.
Our motto is: “A place where freedom of movement meets technique and discipline to make a beautiful fusion of artistry.”
Selah is known for introducing young dancers to the art of dance in a fundamental way and allowing the dancers to discover their unique ability of expression is Selah Dance Studio’s purpose. Dance is an expression starting from the heart and it’s my heart’s desire to usher my students into embracing their authentic artistry.
I’m most proud of my students incorporating the excellence taught at Selah Dance Studio into their personal lives by excelling academically. All of my students are either on the honor roll or maintaining high percentages with their grades.
What were you like growing up?
I smiled as I read the question. I was a very inquisitive child. I never met a scenario that didn’t require follow-up questions. I was a very talkative child who at times, my older brother couldn’t stand it. 
My mother on the other hand, was my personal audience who just allowed me to be me. My father was an entrepreneur, so I gravitated to his business acumen. I was an avid lover of the arts from a child. I loved the TV show FAME with Ms. Debbie Allen and any other show that had anything to do with the arts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.simonelbaldwin.com
- Instagram: SimoneBaldwinProductions
- Facebook: SimoneBaldwinProductions
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simonebaldwinproductions2100
