Kim O'Connor Sparks

Artistic Director

Kim began her dance career at an early age. After training with Michael Lanning, she was picked up by a talent agency and began performing professionally at age 14. She continued performing and began a career in dancing, acting, & modeling in New York City and Philadelphia. Her credits include TV commercials, theater roles, runway, and print work. Kim continued her dance training at the Jazz Dance Center and the Susan Hess Modern Dance Center both in Philadelphia.

She was then accepted into the dance program at Rowan University and continued her training under Alexi Yudenich, Victor Moreno, Barbara Sandonato, & Melanie Stewart. During this time, Kim was a member of the Ballet South Dance Company and the Contemporary Modern Dance Company. Her choreography for "Par Vi Sinatfa" was recognized by the University and was presented at the 1993 Center for Performing arts graduation ceremony. She had received numerous awards including the prestigious Bryna Goldhalf Dance Medallion Award. Kim graduated with top honors earning a Bachelors Degree in the Arts.

Kim then went on working as Managing Director with Melanie Stewart Dance, Philadelphia, where she was responsible for the successful execution of their first European tour to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland and the Philadelphia Artist-in-Education program. She also performed in the company's popular piece "Beauty & the Beast", as seen on PBS-TV. Kim's other performance credits include Stephan Koplowitz, NYC, Wendy Perron, NYC, Independent Choreographers Exchange, PA, Next Step Dance Company, NJ and has worked with Tap Team Two & Company, PA.

Her teaching credits include master classes and workshops for International Teachers of Dance, Glassboro State College, La Salle University, Atlantic City Dance Project, and many local schools, theaters, and dance studios in the Tri-State are. Kim is a member of the Sigma Rho Delta, Fine & Performing arts society, International Teachers of Dance, and the Philadelphia Dance Alliance. She also judges talent competitions nationally and internationally and has a Master's Degree from Temple University.