Meet Britney Simone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Britney Simone. 

Hi Britney, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Hello! I’m Britney Simone, 22 years old, born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, currently living in Los Angeles, CA. Thank you for having me and providing space for me to share my story.

Creative exploration has always been in my nature. Choosing just one medium has always been impossible for me. Drawing, painting, fashion, photography, and modeling have always been juggled around in my realm of creativity, and my most recent addition, dancing. Previously, I was only a dancer behind closed doors, thanks to self doubt. It wasn’t until I saw a friend of mine, Raven, sharing videos on Instagram of her dancing on a pole, that I grew such a deep curiosity for the alluring art form, that is pole dancing. Over recent years, pole dance has made itself my dearest form of self expression. Performing, creating shapes with my body, and the feeling of flying is truly magical. A constant theme throughout most of my art is the female form. Being a woman is such a beautiful and enigmatic experience, and I feel vastly connected to my femininity. To know that women all throughout human history have been, and are still currently being restrained from embracing their sexuality, drives me to continuously encourage others to explore their sexual nature shamelessly, and live unapologetically.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I certainly wouldn’t call it an easy path. As far as fine arts go, most artists know the struggle of not being taken seriously, or society’s persuasion to “get a real job” and keep art as a hobby. I found myself with no desire to pick up a paintbrush or pencil after attending art college. I felt so uninspired for so long, I figured that was the end of that chapter. Turns out, all I needed was a bit of a break, and no deadlines on my artwork to bring that urge to paint and draw back.

Being an exotic dancer/ performer is a whole nother ballpark. I kept being a stripper a secret for a while, knowing it would be a “worst nightmare” scenario if people found out. Eventually, I made the decision to overcome my fear of the way people might perceive me. I remember the first pole video I shared online. I was so nervous, knowing it would upset some, and cause tension amongst family, but I knew this was something I wanted to share with the world, and I’m so glad I did. I was totally unaware of all of the incredible opportunities that could stem from pole dancing, and I am continuously amazed, because it seems endless.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Absolutely. I am a firm believer in everything happening for a reason, so in a way, every moment of my life has led up to all that is happening now, but the past 6 months have been especially transformative for me and my work. I moved across the country, taught a pole workshop in Europe, performed in dozens of shows, got several life changing gigs; one of those being pole dancing on stage for Snoop Dogg at the LA3C Festival in Los Angeles, and to top it off, I just signed with an agency.

I’ve found such a lovely community through pole dance. I am constantly being inspired and inspiring!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Be kind to yourself. It’s so easy to arrive at points of burnout with this kind of work, it’s physically exhausting. Rest time is essential.

Avoid comparing yourself to other artists/dancers. You are unique, and totally capable of creating a flow unique to you. Never force it, and be patient. For those starting just pole dancing in general, educate yourself on the history of SW, and be an advocate/ ally for strippers.

Contact Info:

• Website: Britneysimone.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/britneysimone__

Image Credits
Margaret Leyva
Peyton Campbell
Jason Hite
Catalina Pinotti
Honeydrip Shots
Kobe Miles