Stanley S. Zompakos

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, S.C., 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, S.C. - and designing and building model ships. Stanley is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, son Michael S. (Debora) of North Little Rock, Ark., daughter Elizabeth Z. (Stephen) of Fairfax, Va., three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Per Stanley's request, there is no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any regional ballet company.