Simone Lorese Baldwin, a native New Yorker from Queens 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. Her talents and commitment were quickly discovered and she was appointed as a teacher’s assistant at age 12. Simone experienced a new level of dance training in High School at Benjamin N. Cardozo in Bayside, NY under the intense and disciplined guidance of Carolyn DeVore and Shirley Rushing.
While studying Radio/TV/Film at HBCU, Howard University, in Washington, D.C. Simone served as Program Director at student operated radio station, 830am WHBC.
Simone later extended her craft of dance and entered into the genre of Liturgical Dance in 1997 at Hope Christian Church, Largo, MD where she had the opportunity to mentor the youth dance ministry. Not one to turn down a challenge, Simone auditioned and was accepted into the Spirit Wings Dance Company, Laurel, MD where she briefly learned the beautiful art of dancing in an ensemble.
In 2013, Simone joined the dance ministry at Heart to Heart International Ministries in Moncks Corner, South Carolina under the leadership of Bishop Jerome A. Taylor and Dr. Tonia Aiken Taylor. As one of the Dance Instructors, Simone is honored to lead both the youth and adults and serve as an open vessel to interpret God’s message through dance.
Wanting to bring a taste of New York City to the Low Country, as Artistic Director & Founder, Simone 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 five seasons, the studio has grown and relocated to Goose Creek, SC.
Simone loves tapping into talents, bringing that gift to the forefront, and believes in giving back to the community. Awarding annual scholarships is her way of pouring into her students. Simone knows that she’s been blessed with opportunities and knows it’s her responsibility and honor to be a blessing to others.
Simone has extended her brand and Simone Baldwin Productions was established in 2014 which serves in the area of Casting and Production for Plays, Television & Film. The premiere project coming out of Simone Baldwin Productions is, 5 Seasons of Love. A Docuseries exploring how married couples navigate their seasons of love keeping God as their source and focus.
Living intentionally and in God’s purpose is the legacy of Simone Lorese Baldwin.