Shea New serves as adjunct faculty in dance at College of the Desert where she has taught since 1987. Her life in the arts and passion for dance guided her to create and found the Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival in 1998 which sprung from a COD dance concert. Now known as the Palm Desert Choreography Festival and produced by the McCallum Theatre Institute, Shea serves as Artistic Director. 

Before embarking on a professional career, Shea received her BA in choreography from UC Irvine, fortunate to have studied with renowned choreographers Eugene Loring and Antony Tudor. Shea began her career as a dancer in Les Folies Bergere and as a founding member of the Nevada Ballet Theatre. She transitioned to lead adagio dancer in many extravaganza shows across the United States. Shea went on to appear in movies and television before focusing her skills behind the scenes for such projects as Paragon Pictures’ Tips, Sinatra My Way, Fantasy Spring’s Festivale!, The Golden Years of the Silver Screen, Blues Boulevard, Broadway Bow and The Planet ÔK along with many local productions in the Coachella Valley.  Currently she is starring in a full length dance film, The Anniversary, which is making the rounds at film festivals around the world.

The DTL has honored her with the Michael Grossman Most Inspirational Award for her work in the arts, a special award for Blues Boulevard and other awards including best choreography and best set design. She co-directed COD’s McCallum production of Evita with Dr. Darlene Romano sharing a DTL award for direction and an additional award for best choreography. The American Pen Women has honored her as a Woman of Distinction. Other awards include Outstanding Adjunct faculty in 2012 for COD, the Governor’s Scholar Award presented by Ronald Reagan and Best Choreography in Cathy Roe’s Ultimate Dance Competition. Shea has assisted many non profits in her field and currently serves as a board member for Palm Springs Dance.