Phyllis Papa, International Ballet Star and the founding Director of the Atlantic City Ballet (formally the Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theatre, toured extensively throughout the world as a member of American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Danish Ballet and Stars of American Ballet. She performed at the White House for President Johnson during an Official Dinner as well as Royal Command Performances in Europe for King Frederick, Queen Margaret, Queen Elizabeth, the Shar of Iran and many dignitaries.

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts has awarded her two fellowship grants for choreography. The first award was for her ballet Concerto Vivaldi, the second she received in 1982 for her work, Clear Water.

In 1982 Miss Papa founded the Atlantic City Ballet, a professional ballet company, which tours in its surrounding tri-state area. This year marks their 27th anniversary. Miss Papa has choreographed over thirty ballets for the company as well as directing and producing three Shakespearean plays, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest
and Hamlet.

She has been on faculty of the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Development in Philadelphia where Miss Papa works and teaches students both well and brain injured.

In June 1998 Miss Papa received the Brazilian Gold Medal of Honor. Diplomats from Brazil, England, Italy, China, Japan and the United States awarded her with this gold medal.


Miss Papa has been justly acclaimed as "One of the finest dancers and teachers on the American scene today."