Family-Placed Death Notice
ZOMPAKOS, Stanley S. Stanley Zompakos S. Stanley S. Zompakos, 87, died peacefully on Monday, December 17, 2012 at Sherwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Sherwood, Arkansas. Stanley was born on May 12, 1925 in Astoria, New York, the younger son of Stamatios T. Zompakos and Mary Chrisafakis Zompakos. After attending the School of American Ballet, he became a soloist for Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and New York City Ballet, both under George Balanchine. He also danced on Broadway and on various television shows. After returning from Malmo, Sweden as Ballet Master of the State Theatre, Stanley founded the Charleston Civic Ballet Company, Charleston, SC, as its first Artistic Director. He also taught and choreographed for several regional ballet companies throughout the Southeast, and at Northside School of the Performing Arts, Atlanta, GA. He ended his dance career with Kansas City Ballet in Missouri as Rehearsal Director. In retirement, he pursued his interests in cooking, photography - especially at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, SC - and designing and building model ships. Stanley is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, son Michael S. (Debora) of North Little Rock, AR, daughter Elizabeth Z. (Stephen) of Fairfax, VA, 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Per Stanley's request, there is no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any regional ballet company.
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You´re always in my heart and in my prayers Stanley!
Mimi Miller
Work
December 14, 2021
I am saddened to learn the world has lost Stanley Zompakos. He gave me my first chance to design for the stage and taught me so much about movement, light and the zest for living artistically. He was monumental in shaping my life. I will never forget him and his wife, Nancy, for mentoring a lonely teenager. Jim Sellers, Quincy, Massachusetts
August 5, 2013
You will always remain one of my favorite teachers. I will hold the lessons about life, as well as dance, close to my heart.
God bless you and your family. R.I.P. Mr. Z.
Tabbi Morris
March 16, 2013
I came to the world of dance late in age also late for an audition for the dance department at North Side School of the Performing Arts ! I run up to Mr. "Z" could I please dance for you I know I am late but I have a little piece I would like to show you and he gave me a look and said " I never had a student that wanted to transfer departments to dance and I will give you a shot " and thanks to Mr. Z that was the beginning of my dance career and that lead me to meeting Mr. Barnett at the Atlanta ballet on career day and so on ! THANK YOU MR. "Z" FOR GIVING ME MY START !
Mia Alegria Paxton
March 3, 2013
Stanley, I danced for you at the Charleston Civic Ballet in 1959-1961. You had so much passion and love for ballet, and I was so lucky to be your student. I remember you giving yourself warmups too and how fast your footwork was. Such an inspiration! You have stayed in my heart all these years. Love to your family and all your ballet students who surely miss you!
Mimi Miller
January 12, 2013
We have lost a genius and so much more. Rest in peace, to the man who taught me so much. You blessed so many lives in Charleston. You will live forever in the hearts you touched.
Helen Torlay Smith, Mullins SC
Helen Torlay Smith
December 29, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
EG
December 21, 2012
Stoch, I love so much you will always be alive as long as I live. You are a part of me. You taught me so much from the time we met in 1949! Your lessons were some time very difficult but right on and will always be appreciated!! Love you and always will! My heart is broken that Im no longer able to call you to share a trip some where! We had some great times together!
Stanley Zompakos
December 21, 2012
My heart is heavy to hear of Stanley's passing. As a dancer now teacher, he played a big role in helping shape my outlook on dance. He choreographed my first real "ballerina" role complete with tutu and Tierra. As well as my first pas de deux.
I also really appreciated that he always conducted himself as a gentleman in class and rehearsal. For all his wisdom and experience, he never took on Airs. He was a one of a kind!
To the family, thank you for sharing him with all of us all those years. He lives on in many of us.
Lauri Worrill-Biggs
Atlanta,Ga.
Student from Ruth Mitchell Dance Studio 1968-1980 : )
Lauri Worrill-Biggs
December 21, 2012
Thank you Mr. Zompakos for sharing your gift of patience and teaching with me & the lives you touched. May you dance with the angels...forever...
Jolie Ellis
December 21, 2012
stanley! i danced for you with the state ballet company of charleston.you got me a scholarship with arthur mitchell.i love you and will miss you.arthur rivers
arthur rivers
December 21, 2012
Love you, Papa.
December 21, 2012
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