The AC Ballet's 'Carmen' — photo by Craig Billow

ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Ballet has announced the dates for its two remaining Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) funded performances. As a recipient of the CRDA’s Entertainment Grant, the Atlantic City Ballet has done a total of five free performances in Atlantic City during the company’s 2012-2013 season.

On Saturday, April 27, at Resorts Casino, the Atlantic City Ballet will perform its newest ballet, Carmen, which recently had its world premiere at the Landis Theater in Vineland.

The following Saturday, May 4, at the Taj Mahal’s Mark G. Etess Arena, the Ballet is bringing back its homage to the Atlantic City of yesteryear with a performance of Caught Up In The Swing.

Both shows start 8pm and are free and open to the general public. They are part of AC Ballet’s “Everyday Dance Initiative” that allow ballet performances to be accessible to everyone. In existence for 30 years, the Atlantic City Ballet has become an artistic resource for the residents of southern New Jersey and the surrounding area.

The AC Ballet's 'Caught Up In The Swing' — photo by Craig Billow

The Atlantic City Ballet consists of 24 professional dancers from the United States and around the world, making it a uniquely culturally diverse company.

Miss Phyllis Papa, the founding director of the company, has been a principal dancer with the Royal Danish Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, and the Stars of the American Ballet. She is also the recipient of the 1998 Brazilian Gold Medal of Honor.

For tickets or information, call(609) 804-1995 or visit acballet.org.

ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Ballet’s founding artistic director Phyllis Papa has choreographed an original adaptation of Sergei Prokofiev’s fanciful musical tale Peter and the Wolf — a classic loved by generations — breathing new life into it as part of the AC Ballet’s Children Series.

Young and old will be delighted and entertained with Atlantic City Ballet’s rendition of this timeless classic to be performed at Dante Hall (14 N. Mississippi Ave. in Atlantic City) on Saturday, March 16, at 2pm.

Originally composed in 1936, the piece famously uses personified instruments in the orchestra to tell the story of young Peter and his animal friends the Duck, the Bird and even a mischievous Cat (represented by an oboe, flute, and clarinet respectively). Peter, himself represented by the string section, becomes an unsuspecting hero and outwits the Wolf (French horns), who’s intent on menacing his small Russian village not to mention Peter’s beloved animal friends.

Coupled with Papa’s choreography this ballet has been a staple in the company’s repertoire for many years. For tickets or information, call: (609) 804-1995 or visit acballet.org.

Coming this spring, the A.C. Ballet will be performing its personalized rendition of Carmen, the story of a beautiful seductress, the two lovers who vie for her affection, and the tragic outcome of their tangled affair. It will be performed at Vineland’s Landis Theater on Saturday, April 13 (8pm), at Resorts Superstar Theater in A.C. on Saturday, April 27 (8pm), and at The Strand Theater in Lakewood on Sunday, May 5 (3pm).

The Atlantic City Ballet consists of 24 professional dancers and 10 apprentices from the US, Latvia, Japan, Spain, Hungary, Romania, Brazil, Australia and France. Ms. Papa, the founding director of the company, has been a Principal dancer with the Royal Danish Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Stars of the American Ballet. She is also the recipient of the 1998 Brazilian Gold Medal of Honor.

ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Ballet and Target department stores have partnered to bring The Nutcracker to local area school children.

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, the students of Smithville Elementary in Galloway Township will be treated to a performance of The Nutcracker to kick off the Christmas season. The Atlantic City Ballet, under the direction of Phyllis Papa, received a grant this year from Target to allow the students to experience the ballet up close and personal. Including the Dec. 12 show, and following a scheduled free show this Saturday, Dec. 1, the AC Ballet, now in its 30th year, will have done a total of four free performances this season in an effort to introduce new audiences and create a better appreciation for the art of ballet.

The ballet will also perform during the “Winter Sweet” premiere sponsored by the Atlantic City Alliance (ACA) on Saturday, Dec. 1, at Kennedy Plaza on the A.C. Boardwalk. Part of the new $600,000 holiday lighting program and holiday parade sponsored by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Winter Sweet will include a free eight-minute 3D light-and-sound show projected on to the facade of Boardwalk Hall. Winter Sweet temporarily replaces Duality, another 3D light-and-sound show that debuted on Boardwalk Hall on July 4 and has drawn more than 150,000 visitors to its nightly displays. Duality will return in the spring.

The AC Ballet’s Nutcracker can also be seen at local area theaters this holiday season. For tickets or information, call: (609) 804-1995 or go to acballet.org.

ATLANTIC CITY — Six amazing ballets combine for two great Atlantic City Ballet previews over two nights at Resorts Superstar Theater Friday and Sunday, Nov. 4 and 6.

As one of the leading cultural institutions in the Atlantic City region, the Atlantic City Ballet has been performing on stages for almost 30 years. Founder and artistic director Phyllis Papa has been lauded as one of the finest dancers and teachers currently on the American ballet scene.

“Resorts is honored to host these two outstanding events for the Atlantic City Ballet,” says Resorts CEO Dennis Gomes.  “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.”

On Friday, Nov. 4 at 8pm the Atlantic City Ballet will present its first free show featuring excerpts from three segments: Eclipse, Tango and Drums. On Sunday, Nov. 6 at 3:30pm, the A.C. Ballet will feature excerpts from Dance Macabre, Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Night on Bald Mountain. The combination of these ballets into two stunning performances will give the audience a taste of what the A.C. Ballet has to offer and showcase some classic ballet shows.

For more information go here.

Atlantic City Ballet’s Dracula will hit the stage at the Stockton College Performing Arts Center in Ponoma on Thursday, Oct. 27, and at Ocean First Theatre /STAC in Manahawkin on Sunday, Oct. 30.

The play, reviewed as a “sumptuous and exciting production,” by Ed Wismer of the Cape May Star and Wave, will be composed in three acts, based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The story is set in 15th century Eastern Europe, telling the tale of a young lawyer, Jonathan Harker, who is captured and imprisoned by Dracula.

After becoming inspired and obsessed by a photograph of Jonathan’s fiancé, Mina, Dracula goes to London to meet and victimize her. After he drains the life of her best friend, Lucy Westenera, Dracula captures Mina. Dr. Van Helsing then leads a crusade to free Mina and the world from Dracula.

“It will be an exciting season, with new works and new choreographers that will take the company to a whole new level,” says Phyllis Papa, artistic director for the 30-year- Atlantic City Ballet. “It is a very exciting time to experience the ballet.”

Performances will start 7:30pm at the Stockton PAC, and 4pm at the at Ocean First Theatre/STAC. For tickets or more information, call (609) 804-1995. — Lauren Wainwright

The Atlantic City Ballet

On Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Sofia’s Restaurant in Margate will host a wine-tasting event that will be donating proceeds to the Atlantic City Ballet.

The event is part of a monthly series that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, from 5:30-7:30pm, and will pair an exquisite selection of wines with special hors d’ouevers for $25 per person.

Representatives of the fine wines will be on hand to answer questions. To make reservations, call 822-9111.