Larissa began dancing at the age of three at Hosanna Dance Studio in Eugene, Oregon. From an early age, she knew she wanted to dance for Jesus, but for a season her life she drifted away from the God she loved. In December 2010, when Paradosi toured through Eugene, Larissa attended an outreach and was deeply moved by the ministry. During the worship event, she sensed the Holy Spirit stirring her heart, calling her to leave her past behind and follow Him by joining Paradosi. She auditioned soon after and became the ministry’s first Trainee in the fall of 2011.

During her early years with the ministry, Larissa was mentored by Paradosi’s founder, Tennille Carver, who encouraged her growth as an artist, nurtured her faith, and helped her develop as a leader. From 2011 to 2021, she danced with Paradosi before stepping away from performing to focus fully on leading the ministry, mentoring the next generation, and teaching others how to use their gifts to glorify God. Over the years, she has served in many key roles, including Company Artist, Trainee Director, Discipleship Director, and Choreographer. Today, she leads as the Artistic Director of Paradosi Ballet Company and Surrendered School of Dance.

Larissa is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher in the ABT® National Training Curriculum and holds Beginning through Advanced certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique® (PBT). She has also completed the Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Teacher Training Program, equipping her to serve dancers of all abilities with compassion and excellence.

Her heart as a leader is to love and encourage the dancers in her care, helping each one grow in confidence, skill, and faith. She is passionate about drawing out the unique gifts God has placed in each dancer and equipping them to share the hope of Jesus through the arts.