About

I am a former Swiss Champion in rhythmic gymnastic and received a professional dance education at the Ballettschule Theater Basel under the Direction of Amanda Bennett. After school, I went to Berlin to work at the Friedrichstadt-Palast, where I danced on the worlds biggest theater stage for one year and enjoyed performing productions such as „Glanzlichter“. In 2008, I returned to Switzerland to do a Bachelor degree in Sports and Media Science. Ever since I am working as a teacher and coach for athletes, private groups and companies. My work style is challenging and demanding but always with a sense of humor and loads of positivity.
In 2012, I became Project Manager and Specialist for Sports Development for the city of Berne and later took over a similar position for the Kanton Basel-Landschaft. Besides my work I successfully completed an MBA in Sports Management at the University of Bayreuth as well as my Yoga Teacher certification in Bali.

I very much enjoyed working in the field of Sports Development before returning to the „Theater World“ in February 2018, when I took over the position as Administrative Director for the ballet school of Theater Basel.
Apart from the work at the ballet school I founded my own company „Simi’s by Simone Merkli“ standing for beautiful experiences in special places in Switzerland and Europe including an active and positive lifestyle. I am mostly engaged into hosting yoga retreats, holding workshops in the field of health care promotion and sports, and giving yoga classes for individuals and companies. Behind „Simi’s by Simone Merkli“ is as a powerful girl that smiles most of the time and shares her joy of movement. My goal is to promote the added value of a healthy body for physical and mental well-being throughout sweaty, interesting, fun, authentic and challenging classes.

After 3,5 years with the Ballettschule Theater Basel I took the chance of a new job in the sports field and since September 2021 I work part-time for Swiss Olympic and the Swiss Olympic Youth Team as well as my company.