Tricia Ann Sundbeck

Tricia Sundbeck- Director of the College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Ballet


Born and raised in Stockton, California, Tricia Sundbeck-Bell became a ballet student before entering grade school. She apprenticed with the Sacramento Ballet Company throughout her high school years. While training with Sacramento Ballet, she enhanced her experience by attending summer workshops with San Francisco Ballet. She also was awarded a scholarship to Boston Ballet School during this period. During her apprenticeship with Sacramento, she had the opportunity to perform with Regional Dance America/ Pacific.

Upon matriculation from high school, Ms. Sundbeck became a principal dancer with the Sacramento Ballet Company from 1992-2000. She joined Cincinnati Ballet in 2000 and was promoted to soloist in 2004 where she continued her professional career until 2008.

During her long career, Ms. Sundbeck also has had the distinction of working with such notable stars as Frederic Franklin of The Ballet Russe, and Allegra Kent and Suzanne Farrell of New York City Ballet. She also has had the privilege of working with a wide range of contemporary choreographers, such as: Val Caniparoli, Adam Hougland, Stanton Welch, Trey McIntyre, Donald McKayle, Darrell Moultrie, Sarah Slipper, Septime Webre, and Amy Seiwert.

Ms. Sundbeck performed with Amy Seiwert’s Imagery Ballet Company throughout her career, performing many world premieres. While dancing with Ms. Seiwert's Company, she performed at the Festival Des Arts De Saint-Sauveur, Quebec.

Her career has taken her around the world, which has included performing in notable venues and in the company of distinguished dignitaries. She has had the pleasure of performing throughout the United States, Canada, Portugal, Amsterdam, and Germany. 

Ms. Sundbeck was invited to perform at the Bolshoi Theatre in the Benois De La Danse Competition where she received audience and critical acclaim. She also had the honor of performing for President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.

Ms. Sundbeck is currently the Director of the College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Ballet Division. For the last 15 years, Ms. Sundbeck has been a member of the faculty at the College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department. In 2017, she began teaching for the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Dance Department. In 2020 she was awarded the Ernest N. Glover Outstanding Teacher Award. She was honored with the Arts Educator award in 2022 from the Cincinnati Arts Association Ovature Awards.