Welcome to Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theatre
Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theatre (ACBT) The Performing Arts Academy offers a wide variety of dance classes to suit dancers of every age, experience level and interest. All classes are taught by professional dancers and choreographers, many have learned and danced with us for years.
The ACBT Performing Arts Academy (the official school of Atlantic City Ballet) educates both the serious student as well as those who want to have fun through dance. Under the direction of school director and world class ballerina, Phyllis Papa, students will receive training in ballet as well as other dance forms. Classical training will apply the Russian technique as well as the Bournonville technique. Both of these techniques serve to abide by the laws of anatomy. Many of our students have competed and placed in the Universal and World Ballet Competitions, and also won. Our students have gone on to be professionals dancers in companies, choreographers,
Directors of companies, and teachers at their own schools.
Although primarily known for it's exceptional classical ballet program, the Academy has also offered jazz, hip hop and a variety of other performing arts disciplines. We plan to do that again in the future.
Our classes are offered for a variety of skill levels from beginner to advanced. Have questions? Email us at phyllismpapa@gmail.com
Classes
All of our teachers are professional dancers who have a passion for dance, and for teaching others to dance. In addition to being highly accomplished in their fields, they are also energetic, positive and caring people. There are classes covering the Fall and Spring for which you can sign up. Summer session is open as well.
Classic Ballet
There are 6 levels to choose from, pre-Ballet, Ballet 1, Ballet 2/3, Ballet 4/5, Adult Ballet, and competitive ballet held over a 32 week period during the Fall and Spring 2023/2024. Each level is more challenging and develops a greater depth of technique.
Pointe
There are 2 classes/levels to choose from, Pointe 1 and Pointe 2, held over a 32 week period during both the Fall and Spring 2023/2024.
Private Lessons
Schedule private lessons from 3pm to 4pm or 4pm to 5pm with Phyllis Papa in the fall or on Fridays in the Summer.
Int'l Trainee Apprenticeship Program
International Trainee Apprenticeship Program (ITAP) is the perfect program for dancers who seek a professional career in dance.
About Us
In 1982 Ms. Phyllis Papa founded the Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theatre (ACBT) Performing Arts Academy (the official school of Atlantic City Ballet). The school educates both the serious student as well as those who want to have fun through dance. Under the direction of school director and world class ballerina, Phyllis Papa, students will receive training in ballet as well as other dance forms. Classical training will apply the Russian technique as well as the Bournonville technique. Both of these techniques serve to abide by the laws of anatomy.
Store
Visit our store where you can sign up and pay for classes, or purchase uniforms, skirts, tights, ballet shoes as well as ACBT merchandise such as sweatshirts, hats, DVDs, and so much more!
Testimonials
We have been in business for 40 years. Some of our dancers have become professional ballet dancers in major companies in Europe, Asia, South America, and the United States.
“My daughter danced in The Nutcracker, Dracula and A Midsummer's Night Dream for several years at ACBT. Ms. Papa and the company could not have been more welcoming to my daughter each year she danced there and the ballet instruction she received was superb. Also, if you have not had a chance to catch their performances, you are missing out. Dracula is one of my personal favorites!”
D. McCarthy
“My daughter has had the opportunity to dance in the nutcracker over the past 2 years and has had a fantastic time. The critique and instruction she has received has improved her technique and strengthened her love for dance. Dancing along side the professional dancers has helped her gain confidence in her dancing and realize that her dreams can come true too. She is looking forward to taking more classes this season.”
D. Ward
“Owned and operated by a professional international ballet dancer for 40 plus years. Children are given the opportunity to dance with professional dancers in the real theatre. The instructors are experienced and teach everything from the basics to pointe. Our grandaughter has shown a marked improvement in dance and in her self confidence. In our opinion ACBT is the best professional ballet school in south Jersey!”
Guy and Ann
“Phyllis Papa’s passion and dedication to the fine arts in South Jersey has been a very special gift to our family over the years. Both my daughter and I have been students and the classes, summer camps and the many classical ballets have benefited us in so many wonderful ways. There is truly no one as wonderful as Phyllis, her ballet school and company. It’s a treasure that we are fortunate to be a part of!”
D. Fox
“Phyllis Papa is an extraordinary teacher. Her professional and passion are just what our daughter needed to develop into the beautiful dancer she is today. She just earned her point shoes and I have no doubt Phyllis will guide her to become the ballerina she has always dreamed of being. "
A. Marquette
“ACBT ... a top-notch ballet education with the focus on proper technique. In the professional ballet world, technique, proper training, and foundation are everything, which is exactly the dance education offered at ACBT. It exceeds my expectations for a premier dance school. My daughter has had opportunities to perform with the company in professional ballet productions for several years... ”
