Sandra Shih Parks is an accomplished choreographer, educator, and advocate for female leadership in the arts. She currently serves as the Executive and Artistic Director of Colorado Conservatory of Dance, following distinguished leadership roles as the Director of Dance Programs at Drexel University and Louisiana State University. Sandra is also the founder and Executive Director of Women in Dance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting female leadership in dance and through dance education. Her visionary work includes hosting an international biennial leadership conference, held in cities such as Baton Rouge, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and Philadelphia.
Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, Sandra began her career as a soloist with Four Seasons Ballet and Wu-I Dance Company. She also toured internationally with the Broadway production of The King and I. In New York City, she directed her own productions, choreographed over 80 live concerts, and performed with companies such as Bosoma Dance Company, The Dance Collective, and Impulse Dance Company in Boston.
Sandra has presented her choreography in major cities across the U.S., including Atlanta, Boston, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, and Philadelphia, as well as internationally in Beijing and Taipei. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from New York University and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography from Smith College.
In addition to her creative work, Sandra has served on the faculty at prestigious institutions, including Boston University, Bridgewater State College, Colleges of the Fenway, Kennesaw State University, Regis College, Smith College, and others. She has also taught master classes in China, France, and Taiwan, furthering her mission to inspire and educate the next generation of dancers and leaders.