ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Ballet is coming to Resorts Hotel and Casino’s Superstar Theater Friday and Sunday, Nov. 4 and Nov. 6, for two free shows.
“It was because of Resorts that we started 29 years ago,” says Phyllis Papa, founding artistic director of the Atlantic City Ballet.
“They wanted to bring the arts into Atlantic City so I came out of New York and brought dancers with me.”
For almost 30 years now, the Atlantic City Ballet has hit stages with extraordinary performances and is one of the leading cultural institutions in the Atlantic City region.
Papa has been lauded as one of the finest dancers and teachers currently on the American ballet scene, and her impressive ballet troupe will now take the stage at one of Atlantic City’s prominent casinos.
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) has given the AC Ballet a grant for the two nights of performances hosted at Resorts, which will feature six amazing ballets combined for two previews.
“The Atlantic City Ballet is a huge asset for our region and we are thrilled to be able to present the two free shows at Resorts,” says Dennis C. Gomes, owner, president and CEO of Resorts.
“Phyllis is known for her remarkable talent and the Atlantic City Ballet is truly a sight to behold. We hope that the community is able to take advantage of this opportunity and join us for two nights of amazing artistry and grace in Resorts Superstar Theater.”
The company is comprised of a culturally diverse unit of 10 versatile dancers from around the world and 11 apprentices. Hailing from four continents — North America, Asia, Europe and Australia — these exceptional dancers have earned national acclaim for their technical expertise and clarity, exuberant stage presence, and the required force, delicacy and energy necessary to interpret various musical scores and ultimately deliver performances of exceptional quality.
“These dancers are at the top of their field at their homes,” says Papa.
“They’re very excited about the performances at Resorts.”
The dancers share the vision of bringing the arts back to Atlantic City as a prominent presence.
The Atlantic City Ballet’s first free show will feature excerpts from Eclipse, Tango and Drums on Friday, Nov. 4, starting 8pm.
Excerpts from Dance Macabre, Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Night on Bald Mountain will be featured by the Atlantic City Ballet on Sunday, Nov. 6, starting 3:30pm.
The combination of these ballets into two performances will give the audience a taste of what the Atlantic City Ballet has to offer and showcase some classic ballet shows.
Having been the resident dance company at Atlantic Cape Community College, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, and the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pa., at various times, the Atlantic City Ballet found a new home as the resident dance company in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall in September 2007, in cooperation with the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA).
Presently, the facility is used for rehearsal and public viewings.
“Entertainment is what Atlantic City is about whether you are watching it in the showrooms, enjoying the nightlife or playing on the casino floor,” says Gomes. “The more venues and acts added to the entertainment calendars the more reason people have to come back and visit Atlantic City.”
The mission of the Atlantic City Ballet is to “present the highest quality of classical and contemporary dance to audiences of all ages and cultures. This is accomplished through the presentation of professional performances, community outreach, educational programs suitable for all, as well as creative programming and initiatives.”
“It’s the arts that give someone quality of living,” says Papa, who shares high hopes of rejuvenating the arts in Atlantic City. Resorts will also be hosting a special 30th anniversary event for the Atlantic City Ballet in June 2012.
VIDEO, courtesy of ARTC (visit artcnow.com for more):
Atlantic City Ballet
When: Friday and Sunday, Nov. 4 & 6
Where: Resorts Hotel and Casino
The Atlantic City Ballet’s two newest productions, 'Caught Up in the Swing' and '7 Sins.' will be featured as double-header productions at three southern New Jersey locations — Rowan University’s Wilson Hall’s Pfleeger Theater (Saturday, March 17, starting 7pm); the Ocean First Theater in Manahawkin (Saturday, March 31, 7pm); and at Richard Stockton College’s Performing Arts Center (Thursday, April 19, 7pm). Both productions are family friendly and appropriate for all ages.
Stockton President Herman J. Saatkamp: “For our students enrolled in programs involving the arts, the facility provides an opportunity to explore ideas and concepts in the visual arts in a manner we previously could not."
Backstage before, during and after a show is the most exciting place in the world. Adrenaline pumps everywhere, even through the observer, and that’s where I spent last Thursday, Oct. 27, as Phyllis Papa’s Atlantic City Ballet performed 'Dracula' in time for Halloween.
The ballet company holds its 5th annual wine tasting event June 17 at Sandi Pointe
Sweep that special someone off of their feet and celebrate love with the Atlantic City Ballet as they present a 'Lover’s Program' on Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Lower Cape May Regional High School.
On Thursday, Oct. 28, the Atlantic City Ballet returns to the Stockton PAC for 'Dracula,' a full three-act ballet from artistic director Phyllis Papa.
High culture doesn’t always get much time in the spotlight in the shadow of Atlantic City’s glitz and pop culture extravaganzas, but one of the most enduring, and endearing, arts groups in the southern New Jersey area remains the Atlantic City Ballet.
The Atlantic City Ballet holds a special fundraiser at the Atlantic City Country Club Sunday where the public gets to meet the ballet, dancers and all.
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