Meet the Artist: Carolina Salomon Simon

Carolina Salomon Simon is a multi-faceted working dance artist. She choreographs, teaches, and performs right here in Houston, TX and beyond. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory at Berklee as well as Houston Ballet Academy, Simon specializes in teaching ballet and contemporary dance. Her instruction and choreography has been showcased in Mexico City and New York City.

At times choreographing under her dance performance collective’s name “Make What Moves You,” Simon’s dances illustrate her life as a young Mexican-American woman and is often inspired by her female ancestors. “My work is deeply rooted in cultural exploration, particularly focusing on themes of language and woman’s experiences, as I believe that dance has the power to transcend linguistic barriers, offering a universal language through which we can communicate complex emotions and stories,” she explains. As a tri-linguist, speaking English, Spanish, and conversational French, Simon certainly understands the gift of language and its limitations.

Her most recent choreographic research explores Costa-Rican born Mexican singer Chavela Vargas. “[Vargas] was often perceived as too masculine and was criticized for her boldness in singing about love to a woman. Despite the criticism, she spoke unapologetically about love, grief, and the complexities of being a woman,” Simon remarks. Strong, feminist, and cultural figures, like Vargas, inspire Simon to share her own voice and use her platform for good.

In August 2020, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Simon expanded her philanthropic reach. She produced a fundraising performance within her company and non-profit organization “Make What Moves You” to raise financial relief support for the devasting and deadly Beirut explosion. Simon’s humanitarianism is also present in her work teaching children with special needs; she prioritizes kindness at the core of her pedagogy.

“My philosophy is to nurture confidence and self-worth in my students, helping them develop their unique artistic voices,” says Simon. Her dance eduational training includes Countertechnique through One Body, One Career, and she holds certifications in Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) as well as Leap ‘N Learn. “My teaching style is rooted in kindness, joy, and encouragement. I believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to express themselves and take creative risks.”

As a performer, she actively embodies the courage it takes to express oneself through dance. Her performance credits include work by contemporary choreographers Stephanie Martinez, Jon Olstad, Gregory Dawson, Robin Aren, and Adam Houghland. She currently dances in independent projects.

“I am dedicated to making a lasting impact on the dance community by fostering a future where kindness, joy, and cultural awareness are at the forefront of artistic expression. Through my work as a choreographer, teacher, and performer, I aim to inspire a love for dance that goes beyond technique, encouraging others to view it as a powerful medium for personal expression and cultural dialog.”

Learn more about Carolina at her website.