About Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theatre

ACBT Performing Arts Academy

Founded in 1982, by Phyllis Papa an international ballerina, Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theatre is a center of creativity and high energy. ACBT is a world-class Academy providing first-rate instruction for professional dancers and meaningful programs for non-professional dancers. We inspire you to live more by dancing more. We offer dancers of all levels a place to explore and create, to build self-confidence, and self-discipline. Come and connect with others who share a love of dance. We produce several dance shows every year to promote new talent and expose the general public to the art and beauty of dance.

Phyllis Papa

Founding Artistic Director/Choreographer


Phyllis Papa, founder and Artistic Director, has choreographed over thirty ballets and has been the recipient of many grants including the New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship Grant. 


Her career has taken her around the world, dancing for major companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, and Stars of American Ballet where she has performed for President Johnson, the Shah of Iran, and numerous Royal Command Performances in Europe. King Frederick IX of Denmark was known to be one of her biggest fans. She has had principal parts in Les Sylphide, Etudes, Swan Lake, The Lady, and the Fool, and Triumph of Death and her partners included some of the most famous male dancers: Peter Martins, Russell Chambers, Fernando Bujones, and Larry Rhodes. 


As principal ballerina of Stars of American Ballet, she accepted the role of Artistic Director. She has also worked for the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Development, creating and teaching a program for Neurological brain growth. 


In 1998, Ms. Papa received the Brazilian Gold Medal of Honor, awarded by diplomats from Brazil, England, Italy, China, and the US. Ms. Papa is listed in Marquis’ Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who of the World, The Social Directory, and the National Biographical Society. 


In 1999 Ms. Papa founded the ACBT Performing Arts Academy, the official school of the Atlantic City Ballet. 


In 2015 she was elected to the Hall of Fame of the American Repertory Ballet. Ms. Papa has been justly acclaimed as “one of the finest dancers and teachers on the American scene today.”


Phyllis

Papa

Founding Artistic Director/Choreographer


Phyllis Papa, founder and Artistic Director, has choreographed over thirty ballets and has been the recipient of many grants including the New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship Grant. 


Her career has taken her around the world, dancing for major companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, and Stars of American Ballet where she has performed for President Johnson, the Shah of Iran, and numerous Royal Command Performances in Europe. King Frederick IX of Denmark was known to be one of her biggest fans. She has had principal parts in Les Sylphide, Etudes, Swan Lake, The Lady, and the Fool, and Triumph of Death and her partners included some of the most famous male dancers: Peter Martins, Russell Chambers, Fernandez Bujones, and Larry Rhodes. 


As principal ballerina of Stars of American Ballet, she accepted the role of Artistic Director. She has also worked for the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Development, creating and teaching a program for Neurological brain growth. 


In 1998, Ms. Papa received the Brazilian Gold Medal of Honor, awarded by diplomats from Brazil, England, Italy, China, and the US. Ms. Papa is listed in Marquis’ Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who of the World, The Social Directory, and the National Biographical Society. 


In 1999 Ms. Papa founded the ACBT Performing Arts Academy, the official school of the Atlantic City Ballet. 


In 2006 she was elected to the Wall of Fame of the American Repertory Ballet. Ms. Papa has been justly acclaimed as “one of the finest dancers and teachers on the American scene today.”


  1. 1967 - 1970
  2. 1970 - 1976
  3. 1970-1976
  4. 1976 - 1980
  5. 1978 - 1980
  6. 1980 - 1982
  7. 1982
  8. 1982 to Present
  9. 1998
  10. 1999
  11. 2015
  1. Phyllis is accepted to American Ballet Theatre
  2. Principal Dancer in Royal Danish Ballet
  3. Performed for King Frederick and Queen Margaret of Denmark
  4. Principal Dancer for Stars of American Ballet
  5. Artistic Director of the Stars of American Ballet
  6. Ballet Mistress for Ballet Elans
  7. Phyllis Founded the Atlantic City Ballet
  8. Artistic Director and Choreagrapher for ACBallet
  9. Ms. Papa receives the Brazilian Gold Medal of Honer
  10. Phyllis Founded ACBT Performing Arts Academy
  11. Awarded to American Repertory Ballet Hall of Fame

The Concept

The ACBT Performing Arts Academy 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.


Although primarily known for it's exceptional classical ballet program, the Academy also offers other forms of dance in the Summer Intensive Program.

The Atmosphere

The environment in our classes is energetic, positive, welcoming and high energy. We love to dance, and you’ll feel it. 

The Atmosphere

Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theatre is located in Atlantic City, NJ. Our classes are held in four bright and spacious studios that are equipped with excellent sound systems. The environment in our classes is energetic, positive, welcoming and high energy. We love to dance, and you’ll feel it. 

The Energy

Each and every one of our teachers is passionate about dance. It’s a passion that comes through in every dance class and workshop, bringing positive energy and excitement into every moment. You’ll leave our classes feeling buoyant and more energetic than you felt when you walked in.