True to the motto "March 8 is every day", we want to introduce you to FLINTA* from Berlin and their work in this new format.

Drum roll for dancer Edith Simone. She lives in Berlin-Friedrichshain, Los Angeles and Vienna.


Dear Edith, we are delighted to be able to visit you here at 'The Company' dance studio. How did you start dancing?
 When I started dancing at the age of 3, my godmother said: 'We absolutely have to put Edith in dance classes'. Then I started ballet, jazz and hip-hop. I had lessons three times a week alongside school and went to many championships and dance camps. In my free time, I worked so that I could afford to spend two months in Los Angeles and one month in New York City after I finished school. It was my dream to find an agency there that would sign me. Fortunately, that worked out and I went to every casting I could find. That's how I finally made it onto the big stages.


What makes working in these areas special for you?
Being able to share the joy and love of dancing on stage is the greatest thing for me. Being able to work in so many different places with people from all over the world, so many of whom have become more than work colleagues, is the icing on the cake.


The joy is clear to see! How can we imagine your everyday life?I don't really have one. I also sometimes find it difficult to find a balance and endure the breaks when no jobs come in. I'm sure all self-employed people know the feeling. But there is a difference depending on where I am: When I live in Los Angeles, I do a lot of research to find out what castings are currently available, which choreographers are offering classes and so on. In Germany and Austria, I now have a closer network and therefore fortunately less pressure and can take more classes from friends and devote myself to creative concepts such as sessions. I'm also learning to take more time for myself, to 'allow' it. 'Who am I apart from dancing?' is a question that helps me a lot.


Can you tell us about the highlights of your career? Maybe even goals?
 I had a big highlight right at the beginning of my career. I was 18 years old and got to dance on stage with Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj and David Guetta at the MTV Europe Music Awards. I flew to Spain super last minute for the audition and found out two days before rehearsals started that I'd got the job. I had to pay for my own travel and accommodation, but at the time I saw it as an investment in my career. I've since learned that not every opportunity has to be an investment. But it was magical to feel that the effort could pay off. The tours with Shirin David and CRO were also highlights. In terms of dance, it was so inspiring to work with choreographer Fatoumata Camara. It was a childhood dream and a project close to my heart to dance with CRO after I went to one of his concerts when I was 14. It was somehow rewarding and simply a wonderful feeling. I still have big goals - I'm far from done! I'm really looking forward to the months in Los Angeles and I'm excited to see what happens.


Fingers crossed! How do you perceive mutual support in the industry? What would you like to see for FLINTA* in your industry?
 My personal assessment is that we are already pretty well positioned in terms of equality, at least among dancers, but I would like to see us stick together more among FLINTA* and be less competitive. More honest support, such as forwarding castings and giving each other credit when a job works out.


What does the "feminist day of struggle" stand for for you?
 I think the day is simply a reminder that every day is a feminist day of struggle and that we must continue to fight for equal rights. We have a lot of power and are always underestimated, I think. It's another reminder for people who don't take it seriously and an encouragement for us and our allies.

What advice would you give your younger self?
 You are enough as you are. Your performance has nothing to do with your worth. The jobs you want to do have nothing to do with your worth. You are beautiful the way you are - but that doesn't mean you fit every casting search, and that's okay. The right jobs and, above all, the right people will find their way to you. Just keep on going and trust the process.


What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Berlin location for you? What has changed over the years?
 I see the growing dance community and many classes as an advantage. The same goes for the high number of musicians, who feel like they are integrating dancers into their shows more and more often. One disadvantage is the limited number of jobs. Clients often work with the same faces and it can seem difficult to get in, especially at the beginning. In addition, the willingness to pay for creative and dance performance is different here than in Los Angeles, for example.


Is there anything you miss in Berlin?
 I love Berlin for all the facets and enthusiasm for art across all sectors. But sometimes I wish there was more warmth, togetherness and (also monetary) appreciation of the arts.


What do you associate with your neighborhood?
 There's always something going on, it feels young and vibrant. But when I want to relax, I head out of my neighborhood to Treptower Park or Tempelhofer Feld.


Thank you, Edith <3


You can find the video of the interview here.

This content has been machine translated.