Business Details
22 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Suwanee, GA
At Sugarloaf Performing Arts, we are dedicated to inspiring young artists through excellence in dance education. Founded in 2004 by Artistic Director Lori Zamzow-Wire, our studio provides professional dance technique and training in a positive, encouraging environment. Our faculty consists of seasoned professionals with fine arts degrees and extensive performance experience, ensuring students receive top-tier instruction. We offer a comprehensive curriculum including ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop, and tumbling for students aged 3 to pre-professional levels. Our state-of-the-art 22,000 sq ft facility features seven studios, a black box theater, and a boutique for dance essentials.We emphasize individual attention to nurture each student's potential while preparing them for professional careers in dance. Our students have opportunities to perform in full-length productions like The Nutcracker and participate in competitive programs. With a focus on core skills from early ages, we have built a reputation for excellence in Gwinnett County and beyond. Our alumni have received scholarships and joined professional companies nationwide. We invite you to tour our facility and experience our commitment to dance education firsthand.
Services
Ballet
Pointe
Modern
Contemporary
Jazz
Tap
Hip Hop
Tumbling
Pre-Ballet
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of professional dance instruction experience
- Our faculty includes certified experts with professional performance backgrounds
- We provide a state-of-the-art 22,000 sq ft facility with seven studios
- We guarantee individualized attention for every student's growth
- Our students perform in three annual full-length productions
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program offers graded instruction from age 8, focusing on proper technique and artistry. Students develop strength, grace, and musicality through traditional methods. Pointe work begins at Grade 3 with proper placement auditions.
Tumbling
Tumbling classes build flexibility and body conditioning through progressive skill development. Three levels accommodate beginners to advanced students mastering consecutive back handsprings. Classes emphasize safety and proper technique.
Pre-Ballet
Designed for ages 3-7, our Pre-Ballet classes introduce basic dance skills through creative movement. Students develop coordination, balance, and rhythm through musical games and age-appropriate exercises in 45-minute weekly sessions.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance classes emphasize expressive movement and challenge traditional techniques. Students explore extension, release, and improvisation while developing individual artistry through breath and energy connection.
Jazz Tap Hip Hop
This program combines jazz, tap, and hip hop instruction. Students learn rhythmic patterns, body conditioning, and energetic movement styles. Classes use modern music and accommodate various age groups and skill levels.
People
Lori Zamzow-Wire
Artistic Director
Founder of Sugarloaf Performing Arts with 20+ years experience. Holds BFA from University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Former soloist with Georgia Ballet Company and founder of Sugarloaf Ballet non-profit.
Michelle Bourgeois
Company Director
B.A. in Dance from University of South Florida. Former adjunct professor and performer with Dance Theatre of Florida and Georgia Ballet. Choreographs award-winning pieces and directs youth ballet programs.
Howard Ethridge
Tumble Director
Atlanta's top tumble instructor with extensive gymnastics background. Trained at Gym America and worked with college gymnastic programs. Emphasizes conditioning techniques and mental training for high-level performance.
Brooke Burgess
School Director
Trained at Sugarloaf since age 12. Former Georgia Ballet trainee and Gwinnett Ballet Theatre member. Performs principal roles in classical ballets and directs school operations with professional expertise.
Tristen Prescott
Instructor
Professional dancer with Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Trained at Southeastern School of Ballet and Texas Ballet Theatre. Performs classical and contemporary roles while sharing expertise with developing dancers.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop, tumbling, and pre-ballet classes for ages 3 through pre-professional levels.
Do you have performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in three annual productions including The Nutcracker, Family Classic Series, and Inspire Youth performances alongside Gwinnett Ballet Theatre.
What is your facility like?
Our state-of-the-art 22,000 sq ft facility includes seven studios, a black box theater, dance library, and boutique with dancewear and essentials.
Are there competitive programs available?
Yes, our Sugarloaf Youth Ballet Company offers eight levels from Petite to Pre-Professional Division with competition and performance opportunities.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our faculty includes professionals with fine arts degrees, former company dancers, and certified instructors with extensive performance and teaching experience.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we offer summer intensives and training programs for various dance styles and skill levels throughout the summer months.
Reviews (7)
Holly Sawyer
Jan 25, 2019
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I have had children at this studio since around 2005. (Honestly, we've been there so long that it's hard to remember when my girls started.) Through the years, my daughters studied many styles of dance, and enjoyed every teacher that they've had.The teachers give excellent instruction, and the front office staff takes time to get to know the parents and the students. We feel fortunate to have found this studio.
Mary Andrews
Jan 21, 2019
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The faculty at Sugarloaf Performing Arts (SPA) is a group of highly trained and very talented professionals who are invested in helping their students grow and improve. In addition, both faculty and office staff are very caring and make it a priority to get to know their students on a personal level. The studio itself is a brand new facility with seven large studios (including a tumble studio) and a large waiting area for parents. My daughter has danced at SPA for over eleven years and we have been very happy with the quality of instruction over the years. I highly recommend SPA to anyone who is
Adalius Thomas
Dec 21, 2018
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The receptionist is very nice and pleasant. My daughter likes & enjoys the school.
Update.. since writing the last review the owner Lori met with us about my review and was vey concerned about the 2 stars I initially gave. She asked that I change it after or discussion about her employee being rude. She said she would retrain her. SHE THEN NOTIFIED US THIS WEEK THAT OUR DAUGHTER WOULD NOT BE APART OF COMPANY IF I DIDN'T TAKE THE REVIEW DOWN OR CHANGE IT FROM A 3 STAR WHICH WE AGREED TO IN THE MEETING. THIS IS A FORM OF BULLYING AND I WONDER IF SHE TREATS THE KIDS THIS WAY WHEN WE ARE NOT AROUND
Update.. since writing the last review the owner Lori met with us about my review and was vey concerned about the 2 stars I initially gave. She asked that I change it after or discussion about her employee being rude. She said she would retrain her. SHE THEN NOTIFIED US THIS WEEK THAT OUR DAUGHTER WOULD NOT BE APART OF COMPANY IF I DIDN'T TAKE THE REVIEW DOWN OR CHANGE IT FROM A 3 STAR WHICH WE AGREED TO IN THE MEETING. THIS IS A FORM OF BULLYING AND I WONDER IF SHE TREATS THE KIDS THIS WAY WHEN WE ARE NOT AROUND
A. P.
Nov 11, 2018
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Update: Owner contacted me after my review to address what is not satisfied at my side and seeking for improvements. Afterward, there were multiple emails from SPA admin to communicate with parents and I do appreciate their reactions and effort so far. So I am giving 3 stars and will update the review after the season. This place might be for those who looking for ballet but completely not for hiphop learners. I have 2 kids learning hiphop once a week in here but advertised teacher rarely come to classes. Substitute teachers are terrible at teaching and don't concern whether kids are learning
Kathryn Cassidy
Sep 09, 2018
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Sugarloaf Performing Arts offers first rate instruction in both dance and tumble all in an amazing facility. The instructors are highly trained professionals who work to help every dancer obtain their personal best. As a long time student and company member my daughter has learned so many useful life skills (discipline, commitment, teamwork, time management, etc) in addition to continuing to grow and improve as a dancer each and every year. I personally drive almost 20 miles one way multiple times a week because I feel SPA offers the best program in Gwinnett county.
Brad Anderson
Aug 02, 2018
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Excellent dance studio. Main focus is on aspiring professional dancers but also has beginning and rec classes.
Jennifer Dawson
Jul 05, 2018
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We have been at SPA since 2014 and love it. The staff and teachers are wonderful and truly care about all the dancers. The owner Mrs Lori is very professional and her studio produces very talented and technical dancers. I would recommend this studio to anyone interested in a well rounded dance education and we plan on being around for a very long time.
