Sandra Shih Parks, Founder/Executive Director

Romeo and Juliet – The Choice, a re-imagined performance of the popular classical ballet composed by Russian modernist Sergei Prokofiev. This innovative and immersive production is co-created by the internationally acclaimed pianist, Frederic Chiu and the founder and director of Women in Dance, Sandra Shih Parks.

Lost Generations, a Prokofiev Project

Experience a mesmerizing fusion of live music and evocative choreography in a groundbreaking project by Sandra Parks. Set to the powerful compositions of Sergei Prokofiev, this work unravels the journey of artists from the electrifying avant-garde scene of 1920s Paris to the turbulent constraints of the 1940s Soviet Union. Through movement and music, this performance explores how artists harness their creativity as both a mirror and a rebellion against the societies they inhabit, revealing the resilience, passion, and transformation that shape their artistic voices.

Music compositions include:

Quintet in G minor, Op. 39 , 1924

Music for Athletes, 1939

String Quartet no. 2 in F, op. 92, 1942

The Nutcracker: A Journey Through Cultures

Step into a reimagined Act II of The Nutcracker at Colorado Conservatory of Dance’s 2024 production, where tradition meets cultural authenticity. Directed by Sandra Parks, this performance brings a deeply rooted passion for dance and global culture to life, presenting the Spanish, Arabian, and Chinese variations with integrity and respect for their origins. Through meticulously researched movement and artistic collaboration, these beloved pieces honor the rich traditions they represent, offering audiences a vibrant and authentic celebration of world dance within the magic of The Nutcracker.

3D Model for Teaching Dance

During the pandemic, I collaborated with the Animation and Visual Effects faculty at Drexel University to develop a 3D model for ballet curriculum, addressing the challenge of teaching a three-dimensional art form through a two-dimensional virtual platform. This innovative project provided students with an interactive, immersive learning tool to better understand ballet technique, spatial awareness, and movement dynamics in a digital space. Beyond remote learning, the potential for this 3D model extends to live classes, offering enhanced visualization, anatomical analysis, and personalized feedback, ultimately transforming how ballet is taught and experienced in both virtual and in-person settings.

Invisible Cultural Bridge Crossing the Pacific –

Dance, Music and Visual Arts of Austronesian Cultures from Formosans to Polynesians

This ongoing project aims to produce a documentary exploring the Austronesian language system through the lens of performing and visual arts. The film will highlight cultural connections among five major Austronesian-speaking groups: the Formosans (Taiwanese Aboriginals), Cordillerans (Philippines), Malay (Malaysia), Javanese (Indonesia), and Polynesians (Hawaii and Easter Island). As one of the most geographically expansive language families, Austronesian languages link diverse island cultures across the Pacific. Through artistic expression, the documentary will investigate shared traditions, colonial influences, and the ongoing challenges of cultural preservation, seeking to uncover the deep historical and artistic ties that connect these communities.