About the School
Our vision is to build a community of high quality dancers and artists who are committed to develop and strengthen the dance industry’s eco-system in India.
Building a Stronger Dance Community in India
Our school works as a platform to introduce young talent in India to international-level training and education in Western Classical Dance. We run a unique dance-centred academic program — Dance Education Program, designed to provide practical, theoretical and entrepreneurial knowledge to dancers. This holistic exposure helps them understand the power of dance, and prepares them with the right skills to explore, innovate, and build a long lasting career in the dance eco-system.
With the right training and knowledge at FSPA, we envision the community to grow into a strong force of like-minded high-calibre artists who strive to push authenticity and honesty in the dance industry, and actively work towards redefining the potential and impact of dance in the country. This community will reshape the mindset towards dance as a profession, and put India on the global map for producing high quality talent and work in the world of western classical dance.
Our Space
FSPA is known for its industry-leading infrastructure for dancers. The 5000 sqft space boasts four fully equipped noise cancelling studios with sprung floors. Dance groups across the country have come to train at the school’s facilities. Students have unrestricted access to the resources and facilities offered at FSPA through the year.
Team
About Antara Ashra
FSPA’s Founder
Antara holds a BA from University of Toronto. She has been in the education sector as strategist and an educator for over 7 years. As a Teach For India 2012-14 Fellow, Antara has had the opportunity to engage with a varied group of children from diverse backgrounds. Over the years, she has participated and been exposed to international-level quality in dance and performing arts. Antara understands the need and value of a formal, world-class education in dance, and knows what it takes to build it in India. Her expertise lies in bringing the right minds and talent together to provide a high-quality, holistic academic experience for artists and dancers.
Meet Sandra Parks
Our Curriculum Designer
Sandra Shih Parks is currently a full time assistant teaching professor and the dance program director for Drexel University. She holds her B.F.A. from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and her M.F.A. from Smith College, MA. Originally from Taiwan, Sandra danced with Four Seasons Ballet and Wu-I Dance Company in Taipei; toured nationally and internationally with a Broadway production of the King And I. She also danced with Bosoma Dance Company, Dance Collective, and Impulse Dance Company in Boston, MA.
Sandra has presented work in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Boston, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, in addition to Beijing, China and Taipei, Taiwan. She has created work for professional dance companies including Bosoma, Cangelosi Dance Project, and Of Moving Colors. Before joining Drexel University, Sandra served as a faculty member at Boston University, Bridgewater State College, Colleges of Fenway, Kennesaw State University, Louisiana State University, Smith College, and taught master classes in China, France, and Taipei. In 2013, Sandra founded Women in Dance L.L.C. to celebrate and promote female leadership in dance, and she is the director of the international Women in Dance Leadership Conference.
Advisory Board
Homi Adajania
Filmmaker, Writer & SCUBA Diving Instructor
Neerja Birla
Founder and Chairperson of Mpower & Chairperson, Aditya Birla World Academy
Nitin Chandy
Co Founder & Managing Director, True School of Music
Mr Balakrishna
Vice President ,THG Publishing Pvt. Ltd. (The Hindu Group)
Neel Shahani
Former JP Morgan and Barclays
Luis Miranda
Chairman, Centre For Civil Society and CORO