Today we’d like to introduce you to Edith Simone Morales Sen.
Hi Edith Simone, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started where I was born, Vienna, Austria. As a person of color, growing up with Cuban roots in a very privileged and white-dominated city had its challenges. But it also held beautiful opportunities that set the foundation for where I am today. I have always been aware of duality in life and it was apparent in my youth. Though I felt like an outsider when I was young, I still felt just as seen by my family who motivated me to start dancing and friends who had always supported me through my dance journey.
At just three years old I started dancing. I first trained in ballet and later focused on jazz dance and hip hop. I felt like I had my own bubble of like-minded people around me who loved to dance as much as I did. Early in my dance career I participated in many championships and won several first place awards with my dance company. But it started to feel like I hit a ceiling. I felt seen by my peers but I didn’t feel as seen by my choreographers and coaches.
In hindsight, I realize that is one of the reasons why I started traveling by myself at the age of fourteen. I was seeking knowledge at dance camps and Intensives in Poland & London, learning from the best in the industry (Jaquel Knight, Galen Hooks, etc). I wanted to give this profession a shot and flew to the USA for the first time in my life. After that visit I knew I would have to go back!
I saved up money, waitressing and working underpaid dance jobs in Vienna until I could afford to go to the USA again. Once I graduated high school, I went to the USA for three months. After this trip I knew exactly what I wanted to do. To move to LA, dance for the stars, and get signed to the best dance agent in LA. The road was crazier than I expected but I am here now!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The hardest thing along the way has been not seeing my family and friends for months at a time. At times I struggled with feeling lonely combined with being hard on myself when things didn’t work out as I wanted them to.
Another big obstacle has been my impatience. From time to time, I have to remind myself to trust the universe and what it has in store for me. That there is no reason to feel so stressed about things that I can’t even control!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional dancer. I specialize in hip hop, heels, commercial, afro and contemporary.
Something that I am really proud of is creating my intensive program, Growth Intensive. Growth Intensive is geared towards intermediate/advanced dancers, helping them elevate their careers while emphasizing mindset and goal setting. I have so many new things planned to help guide my peers in a way I wish someone had done for me when I first began my dance journey.
I am also proud that I choreographed my first tour for the Austrian artist Lou Asril! I loved every second of the process. Additionally, my favorite performances that I was a part of were for artists like Jason Derulo feat. Nicki Minaj, Dua Lipa, Beccy G. & Akon, Kid Cudi as well as music videos for SiR, Panic! At The Disco, Kelvyn Colt, Shirin David & many more. One of my highlights last year was booking an international commercial for Samsung x Google as well as one for Target.
What sets me apart from others is my versatility not only in my dance but in my look and overall skill set. I am multifaceted and great at it. I even started acting and landed my first roles in Europe only after a couple of months. I am very determined and nothing can stand in my way. To me, the most important thing is that I always have great energy and am a team player.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
No matter where you are on your journey, even the greatest artists question their best work. We are all in the same boat. We should stop putting ourselves down for things that we can’t control and start supporting each other now more than ever!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edith_simone/?hl=de
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC88LmI8vnfr8T-_dYTevChQ
