OUR PROGRAMS
Are You Interested In Performing On Stage?
The Sugarloaf Performing Arts Performing Companies give students the training and opportunity to perform in public exhibitions, dance productions, theatrical events, competitions and local festivals.
Placement in our performing companies is decided through an audition process.
For more information, please contact our office at 770-682-5333.
Ballet Program
Sugarloaf Performing Arts emphasizes progressive training in ballet and modern technique through leveled classes and performance opportunities. We offer a ballet major selection for our Ballet 6 students designed for college and dance company preparation.
Pre-Ballet I, II, and III:
Pre-Ballet is designed for students who are ages 3 to 7. Pre-Ballet classes teach basic dance skills and encourage creative movement and improved coordination, timing, balance, rhythm, poise, grace and self-expression. Songs, dance, and musical exercises make Pre-Ballet both educational and enjoyable. Pre-Ballet meets for 45 minutes a week.
Ballet and Pointe:
Beginning with age 8, students are introduced to a graded ballet curriculum. Pointework will begin when a student has reached ballet level III. An audition is required for placement and enrollment.
MODERN PROGRAM
Modern dance focuses on nurturing the creative, artistic side of each dancer. Modern dance also emphasizes use of extension, release, fall & recover, momentum & force, and improvisation. Expressiveness and freedom of individuality are encouraged, as well as use of breath, energy, and connection for each movement.
Our graded Modern program features 7 levels. For placement details and additional information, please contact the Sugarloaf Performing Arts office at 770-682-5333.
MODERN PROGRAM
BOYS PROGRAM
In addition to our regular dance programming, we offer Boys Only ballet and contemporary classes. These classes are designed to build confidence as the students improve their strength, technique, and artistry in an environment geared towards motivation and success. Alumni of our program have gone on to dance with Miami City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, Tulsa Ballet, Florida Dance Theatre, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB).
Our current students consistently win top awards at dance competitions and scholarships to train with prestigious schools such as CPYB, The School of American Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and Pennsylvania Ballet. Students will receive personalized instruction from senior faculty members including Lori Zamzow-Wire and John Streit (bios below).
We offer full and partial tuition scholarships to boys of all ages and levels of experience. An audition will be held for dancers interested in becoming a part of our pre-professional program
TEEN PROGRAM
Our new teen program offers training in the following dance genres:
Teens of all ages and levels are encouraged to join us!
TEEN PROGRAM
Our new teen program offers training in the following dance genres:
Teens of all ages and levels are encouraged to join us!
TUMBLE PROGRAM
Our Director of Tumbling is Mr. Howard Ethridge (“Mr. Howard”). Mr. Howard has an extensive background in gymnastics, stretching, and conditioning. He is one of Atlanta’s top instructors for tumbling and jumps. Howard prides himself on his conditioning techniques and stresses the importance of healthy living to his students. Mr. Howard prepares the tumblers through a logical progression of skills for maximum development of each student.
Tumble students begin with floor and mat exercises followed by progression through tumbling skills. Greater flexibility is acquired and body conditioning is emphasized. Classes are leveled Beginner, Intermediate I, Intermediate II and Advanced.
Beginner
Beginning Tumble classes are for entry-level students with limited or no tumbling experience
Intermediate I
Intermediate I classes are for students who have had a few years of training. An Intermediate I tumbler has mastered a front or back walkover, and they are training for a back-handspring and various ariels.
Intermediate II
Intermediate II classes are for students with multiple years of training. Intermediate II students have mastered a back-handspring. Their goal is consecutive back-handsprings and ariels.
Advanced
Advanced classes are for students with extensive training. These students are working on skills out of the back-handspring into tucks, layouts, fulls and various ariels.
MASTER CLASS SERIES
The Sugarloaf Ballet “Life As A Dancer” Master Class Series brings experience and instruction from seasoned professionals in the dance world to Gwinnett County and the greater Atlanta area.
The objective of the series is to educate dancers on industry etiquette and give students a behind the scenes look at the lives of professional dancers from around the world. Each series includes a Questions & Answers forum with our master class instructors to give upcoming students a better idea of the situations and challenges they will face in the industry.
Sugarloaf Performing Arts is home to the Sugarloaf Ballet, a non-profit performing company offering several public performances each year.
MASTER CLASS SERIES
The Sugarloaf Ballet “Life As A Dancer” Master Class Series brings experience and instruction from seasoned professionals in the dance world to Gwinnett County and the greater Atlanta area.
The objective of the series is to educate dancers on industry etiquette and give students a behind the scenes look at the lives of professional dancers from around the world. Each series includes a Questions & Answers forum with our master class instructors to give upcoming students a better idea of the situations and challenges they will face in the industry.
Sugarloaf Performing Arts is home to the Sugarloaf Ballet, a non-profit performing company offering several public performances each year.
CONSERVATORY PROGRAM
Housed at Sugarloaf Performing Arts, the Sugarloaf Ballet Conservatory offers an alternative training environment for young artists interested in pursuing dance as a career path. Led by Artistic Director, Lori Zamzow-Wire, the concentrated curriculum provides pre-professional instruction in the areas of ballet, dance history, nutrition, and injury prevention.
Anatomy and professional presentation are also components of the program. Designed for the serious dancer, this intensive ballet technique program offers unique preparation and research opportunities.
Sugarloaf Ballet Conservatory Classes are held during week-day mornings and afternoons. Students enrolled in the Conservatory program participate in home-school and online courses to complete academic requirements.