Simone Coonrod
Simone uniquely combines music education, dance studies, athletic training, and a natural gift for musical movement and embodies her motto “Where Artistry Meets Fun”.
The creator of Moving Beat Studio® and Swinging with Simone®, Simone’s 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.
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, Russian and she has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall Radio City Music Hall, PBS, Irving Plaza, and The Newark Museum. She has been featured in The Montclair Times, The Star Ledger, The Herald News, and Inside Montclair.
As a choreographer, Simone has staged numerous pieces bringing her creativity to form and movement. Feeling comfortable with professionals, aspiring artists and the general public she skillfully draws out from the group she is working with.
Simone currently teaches regularly at Montclair State University, and The Discovery Charter School in Newark. Her teaching reflects her studies of Dalcrose Eurythmics, Duncan, Laban and all her dance and music experience.
With a BA in Music Education and a Masters in Music Performance, she is a freelance harpist in the metropolitan area and played for many distinguished people including Vladimir Horowitz and Donald Trump.
A competitive gymnast throughout university, Simone was voted most valuable team gymnast for her champion status and performance panache.
Known for her creativity, energy, and passion she brings both to her performance and teaching, she has kept her studio active for 15 years.
“Simone has an infectious spirit that gets everyone in the crowd itching to dance! She has great energy that electrifies the dance floor.” Wendy Margo, Associate Producer of Contemporary Programming, Lincoln Center, New York, New York
