Atlantic City Ballet performs ‘Waiting in Time,’ an original ballet reflecting themes surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
ATLANTIC CITY – With its residency at the Circus Maximus theater on hold, the Atlantic City Ballet has made the leap into the virtual world. Starting Jan. 29, the company will be performing once a month via live stream and through its website.
The company’s first performance will be the world premiere of a new ballet, “Waiting In Time.”
Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdowns, Waiting In Time takes audiences on a journey through the challenges faced during the global pandemic. This original ballet, choregraphed by Phyllis Papa, will chronicle life from before COVID-19 and during the shutdown, with themes of isolation, loss of life and the eventual restoration of our former lives.
The next four ballets will take place from February to May. In February, fans will see “Memories of Love,” a program featuring some of the great romantic pas de deuxs. The rest of the season will include familiar and never before seen pieces.
All of the performances will be live streamed and accessible afterwards on the company’s website, acballet.org.
Patrons can purchase a premier subscription, which will give them access to the live stream and all five ballets. Solo tickets for individual ballets will also be available.
“This is an opportunity for the company to stay relevant while we wait for our theaters to reopen. It also gives our dancers a chance to perform, which they have really missed.” founding Artistic Director Phyllis Papa said.
Founded by Papa in 1982, 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. Although their home base is in the historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, the ballet has performed in theaters all along the east and west coasts. Their repertoire of original works includes such classics as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake,” but Papa is most known for her innovative works such as “Dracula,” “Romeo and Juliet” 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.
Premiere subscription tickets are $50; solo passes are $25. Both can be purchased online at acballet.org/attend.
