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PHOTOS from Holiday Performances by The Atlantic City Ballet

By John Posada

originally published: 12/14/2023

Scene from It's A Shore Holiday at Caesar's Circus Maximus in Atlantic City.

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Atlantic City Ballet recently ushered in the holiday season with performances of "It's A Shore Holiday" and "The Nutcracker". Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

They kicked off things off with It’s A Shore Holiday over Thanksgiving weekend. This ballet blended classical and contemporary dance set to beloved holiday tunes at the Caesars Circus Maximus in Atlantic City.

The “Radio Cityesque” review had something for everyone including singers, dancing snowmen, chipmunks, and toy soldiers who performed their entire routine on pointe. Choreographed by Artistic Director, Phyllis Papa, this year the performances featured singers Kelly LaVinga and James Maher. It’s A Shore Holiday captured audience’s imagination of every age.

Here are photos from It’s A Shore Holiday.

Following a holiday fundraiser, the Atlantic City Ballet went on tour with The Nutcracker where John Posada caught them at The Strand in Lakewood. Also choreographed by Ms. Papa, and in its 41st year, The Nutcracker has become a tradition shared by generations of families.




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The Nutcracker is a treasured classic that tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Embarking on a wondrous journey through the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets, Clara encounters many unforgettable and timeless characters.

You can catch the remaining performances of The Nutcracker on December 16th at Caesar's and December 23rd at The Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood.

Throughout 2023, the Atlantic City Ballet had performances in Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point, Ocean City, The Strand in Lakewood, and the Stafford Township Arts Center. The company returns in April with performances of Swan Lake at Caesar's and The Strand.

Here are photos from The Nutcracker at The Strand.

Founded in 1982, by International Ballerina, Phyllis Papa, the Atlantic City Ballet is comprised of professional dancers from around the world and have earned national acclaim for their technical expertise and exuberant stage presence. The Ballet has performed in theaters all along the east coast and across the country. Their repertoire of original works includes such classics as A Midsummer Night's Dream, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake but Ms. Papa is most known for her innovative works such as Dracula, Caught Up In The Swing, and her full length Carmen. Since its inception, the Atlantic City Ballet has served as one of the cultural treasures of New Jersey and continues a tradition of dance excellence for future generations of ballet audiences.

About the author:

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.





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EVENT PREVIEWS

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- As the nation commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the United States, Roxey Ballet — the Delaware River region's only professional dance company — will present the world premiere of George Washington Crossing the Delaware, a powerful new dance work celebrating one of the defining moments in American history. Performances take place on Friday, July 3, 2026 at Lambertville Station. Admission is free.
Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore Tour comes to New Jersey

Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore Tour comes to New Jersey

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Following the sold-out successes of Derek Hough Symphony of Dance, Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays, and Derek Hough Live: The Tour, Derek Hough returns with an innovative and exciting dance experience for 2026 – Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore. The tour comes to New Jersey for performances July 18, 2026 at Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars Atlantic City; and July 21-22, 2026 at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown.
New Jersey Ballet presents Icons of American Ballet at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center

New Jersey Ballet presents Icons of American Ballet at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- New Jersey Ballet returns to New Brunswick Performing Arts Center with Icons of American Ballet, a vibrant program celebrating groundbreaking choreographers who have shaped the identity of American dance. Performances will take place Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2:00pm & Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 2:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Free Summer Event: Salsa at Sunset

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Pioneer Park at Headquarters Plaza
3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ


Derek Hough – Symphony of Dance: Encore

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Derek Hough – Symphony of Dance: Encore

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Free Summer Event: Country Line Dancing with Paul Stoddard

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Pioneer Park at Headquarters Plaza
3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ



 

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