THE COMPANY
Artistic Staff
The artists who shape every GBT season, in the studio and on stage.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Lori Zamzow-Wire
Lori Zamzow-Wire’s dedication to dance shines through in every step she takes, inspiring professional dancers, students, and audiences alike with her unwavering commitment to the art form. She prioritizes building self-esteem, nurturing confidence, and instilling the discipline the art form demands, helping dancers of all ages and abilities discover their potential both onstage and off.
Lori’s own journey began in Lakeland, Florida, where she trained with the Florida Dance Theatre before earning a BFA in Dance Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Her early career included five years with The Georgia Ballet as a soloist and guest ballet mistress, followed by her purchase of Sugarloaf Performing Arts in 2004 and the founding of Sugarloaf Youth Ballet. Under her direction, the studio and youth ballet flourished, guiding thousands of dancers through its doors and fostering a true passion for movement.
In 2020, following a thorough search for new artistic leadership, Lori was chosen to lead Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, transforming it into a professional company with paid contracts and a full performing season. As a choreographer, her work for GBT includes productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Paquita, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Firebird, and The Nutcracker, along with modern and contemporary works. Today she continues to foster a profound love of dance, making a meaningful impact that resonates well beyond the studio.
REHEARSAL DIRECTOR
Zion Rivera
Zion Cayid Rivera, a Miami native, serves as the Rehearsal Director at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. He has dedicated his life to the arts as both a performer and a director. He trained at Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, and Houston Ballet, refining his technique under top instructors and performing works by choreographers such as Justin Peck and Crystal Pite. Professionally, he danced with Pacific Northwest Ballet and Minnesota Dance Theatre.
Zion also has an extensive background in film, having written, directed, produced, and served as director of photography for numerous short narrative films, documentaries, and music videos. As Rehearsal Director, he brings a keen eye for detail, a supportive teaching style, and a passion for helping dancers grow. He looks forward to contributing to GBT’s artistic vision, cultivating the next generation of talent, and fostering continued artistic excellence.
BALLET MISTRESS
Stacey Slichter
Originally from Miami, Florida, Stacey began her dance journey at age seven, training with Gloria Gaither, Judith Newman, Mariana Alvarez Brake, and Victoria Leigh. She graduated from The Harid Conservatory, studying under Marjorie Tallchief, Tina Santos-Wahl, Olivier Pardina, and Demetrius Klein. At 17, she joined The Sarasota Ballet of Florida, later becoming a principal artist with Ballet Eddy Toussaint, USA. Stacey danced with Ballet Memphis and Atlanta Ballet, performing in notable productions such as Dracula and Rapture.
Transitioning to freelance work, she collaborated with various companies and began teaching 25 years ago, contributing to institutions like Atlanta Ballet Center for Dance Education and North Atlanta Dance Academy. Her teaching extended to guest roles at Sugarloaf Performing Arts, Emory University, Kennesaw State University, and others, including The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She also co-choreographed and served as Artistic Director for Aiken Civic Ballet’s 2022 Nutcracker.
Production team
Costume Coordinator: Sarah Black
Props and Set Management: Mandy Clark and Brian Wire
Lighting Design: Howard Carter
Music Director and Conductor: Dr. Gregory Pritchard
Digital Marketing: Zealynd Rivera
Photography: Erika Rivera