Trainee Apprentice Program & Senior Apprentice Opportunities!

Paradosi Ballet Company has positions open in our Trainee Apprentice Program and for Senior Apprentices with the company for the 2022/2023 Season!   Be a part of the amazing work that God is doing through this ministry as we worship God and share His message of hope with the world through the dance!  


APPLICATIOIN DEADLINE


Audition Applications will be accepted through

February 25, 2022 for March In-Person Auditions.

APPLY   TODAY

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE


or copy and paste the following link into your browser:

https://paradosi2022auditions.pushpayevents.com


Audition Applications will be accepted through February 25, 2022 for March in-person auditions.  

  • Please have your required photos ready before you start the application.
  • Please do not use Auto Fill in the form as it may cause an error requiring you to re-enter all of your information. 

Dancer Opportunities In The Ministry

There are two paths to joining Paradosi as a dancer.  The first route is by training with Paradosi in our hybrid Trainee-Apprentice Program.  With our apprenticeship program, dancers are fully immersed into Paradosi's culture and dance style while they are being mentored to take on greater dance and ministry responsibilities. 

 

The second route into the ministry as a dancer is for professionally experienced dancers to join as a Senior Apprentice.  All dancers must either start as a Trainee-Apprentice or Senior Apprentice to before  serving as a Company Artist.  The apprenticeship years are a time of growth and refinement as ministers of the gospel and as artists.  Regardless of title; everyone is a part of the company and will have outreach and possible tour opportunities while with the ministry. 

  • Trainee Apprentices are students in Paradosi Ballet's Apprenticeship Program.  


    Paradosi's apprenticeship program is a fully immersive professional ballet ministry training program.  Dancers who commit to the program will experience continuous growth as artists and in their spiritual journey.  Our program combines intensive ballet and ministry training that will be put to use while you lead passionate worship and outreach events that are  glorifying to God while leading others to Him.


    Touring and performance opportunities with Paradosi Ballet will be by invitation only and at the discretion of the Artistic Director. 


    As students, Trainee-Apprentices pay monthly tuition.  Apprentices commit to a 10-month formal training seasons each touring season from September through June or the end of Paradosi's Summer Dance Intensive; whichever is later.

  • Senior Apprentice positions are open to dancers who have either completed Paradosi's Trainee Apprentice Program, have come from another Christian dance ministry, or have had a dance career with a professional  company.*  


    All dancers regardless of their training and dance background must serve a minimum of one year as a Senior Apprentice to be considered for Company Artist positions.  The season spent as a Senior Apprentice  is an opportunity  for dancers to continue being  refined as an artist while being equipped for the work of ministry.  This is an essential time of discovery and learning for dancers to see if Paradosi is a right fit for you and if you are a right fit  for us.  We want you to serve where God is calling you to serve whether that is with us  or someplace else and this takes time to know. 


    Senior Apprentices may perform, tour, and minister in both the US and internationally by invitation of the Artistic Director.


    Senior Apprentices are full-time volunteers with the ministry but will have some of their ministry related expenses paid for while serving.   Senior Apprentices do not pay tuition.


    *In some circumstances, even with previous dance or ministry experience or qualifications, a dancer may be asked to train in Paradosi's Apprenticeship Program.

  • A Company Artist in Paradosi has served as a Senior Apprentice for a minimum of 1-year demonstrating a consistency in artistry and their embodiment of the ministries values. 


    Company Artists receive a minimal monthly allowance as they serve with the ministry but will still need to raise additional funds to support themselves while they serve in ministry much like a traditional missionary.    Company Artists will have some allowed ministry released expenses paid for while serving.    


    Company Artists perform, tour, and minister in both the US and internationally.

Why We Dance

"The time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way." John 4:23


Paradosi Ballet Company is a faith-based organization whose mission is that through the arts we will: "Worship God, Love People, Share the Gospel, and Make Disciples of Jesus Everywhere We Go".  


It is our heart that everyone who sees Paradosi dance and hears the words shared from the stage will have an encounter with God that will change their lives forever!


If you are interested in training and serving with Paradosi, we want you to know that we are first and foremost focused on worship and ministry through dance.  We believe in pursuing excellence in ballet, but not at the risk of missing opportunities to bare our hearts to God while reaching others for Him.  We are not on the stage for self-adulation, but to share a tiny sliver of the hope, beauty, and love of God with the world. 


Visit our YouTube page to learn more about who we are, our dancing style, and why we have chosen to use dance for the glory of God. 

More Information


  • What are the age requirements to audition? 

    • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by September 1st of the next season in order to audition.  
    • Exceptions may be made for applicants who are under 18 who have either graduated from high school or earned their GED with parental permission.
    • While the ministry does not have an upper age limit for training and serving in the ministry, our Apprentice Training Program is geared towards dancers between 18 and 24 years of age.  Most of our dancers have been between 18 and 32 years of age.

    Is the audition process different for the Trainee-Apprentice Program and Senior Apprentices? 

    • The audition process is the same for the Trainee-Apprentices and Senior Apprentices. 
    • Please keep in mind that placement as a Trainee-Apprentice or Senior Apprentice is at the sole discretion of the Audition Committee of Paradosi Ballet Company.  
    • If the Committee feels that a dancer needs further refinement in their dancing or to be better equipped for ministry, they may be offered a position in the Apprenticship Program regardless of their ministry or dance background. 
    What is the difference between a Trainee-Apprentice and a Senior Apprentice?
    • Trainee Apprentices  are students in Paradosi's Apprentice Program.  Most Trainee-Apprentices are recently out of High School, with little to no professional dance, ministry, or teaching experience.  
    • As a part of the apprenticeship curriculum, dancers participate in the ministries school one day per week as a Teacher Assistant to learn how to teach dance classes in a Christ centered studio environment.    
    • A Senior Apprentice is a dancer who has demonstrated a high level of artistry and technical ability as a dancer, spiritual maturity, and a heart for worship.  Senior Apprentices often come directly from our Trainee-Apprentice Program, other Christian dance ministries, trainee programs, and secular companies if combined with ministry experience.
    • All new dancers to the ministry must spend a minimum of one season as a Trainee-Apprentice or Senior Apprentice before being considered for a Company Artist position but all are considered a part of the Company. 

    How long is the Trainee-Apprentice Program? 

    • The Trainee Apprentice Program is a two-year vocational dance ministry program. 
    • Some dancers have completed the program in less time and others have taken longer.  
    • Apprentices begin their training in September and their season ends on the last day of our summer dance intensive; usually the last week of June or first week of July.  If an Apprentice is asked to travel during a summer outreach tour, their commitment will be extended to the end of the tour. 

    Do Trainee Apprentices pay tuition? 

    • Yes, Apprentices pay tuition. 
    • Tuition for the 2022/2023 season is $250 per month September through June for first year Trainees. ($2,500 per academic year). 
    • Trainee-Apprentices also pay a one time Ministry Training and Costuming fee at the beginning of the season which covers their Western Seminary cohort, Bible study materials, and performance costume. 
    • Trainee-Apprentices are also responsible for purchasing their own dance shoes, leotards, tights, and other dancewear.
    Do Senior Apprentices pay tuition?
    • No, Senior Apprentices do not pay monthly tuition; however, they will be charged a one time costuming and ministry training fee of $250 at the beginning of the season.   
    • Senior Apprentices are considered full-time volunteers with the ministry. 
    • Senior Apprentices will have some of their volunteer related expenses paid for by the ministry. 

    How are dancers supported?

    • Dancers will need to raise their own support to be in the ministry much like a traditional missionary or YWAM participant. Some of our dancers seek support from family, friends, businesses, and churches. Other members of the ministry follow Paul’s tentmaker model working part-time jobs in the evenings and on weekends.  Some dancers teach dance in our school as well as at other local studios while some work in retail, restaurant, or other jobs.  Some pursue both paths of raising financial support. 
    • While dancers need to raise their own support to serve in the ministry, Touring Company Artists receive a minimal monthly allowance and have some of their volunteer related expenses covered by the ministry.    The allowance is not enough to cover a dancers living expenses and they will still need to raise individual support and/or work part-time jobs to cover the remainder of their living expenses while serving in the ministry. Touring Company Artists and Senior Apprentices commit to 10-month contracts each season that may be extended for international tours.  


    Where do dancers live? 

    • Dancers are responsible for finding their own housing. 
    • Unmarried Trainee-Apprentices and Senior Apprentices are required to live with at least one other member of the ministry for accountability.
    • Most of the dancers live in apartments or houses with 1 to 5 other dancers from the ministry to reduce living expenses. 
    • If accepted into the ministry, we will provide contact information for all of the members of the ministry so you can connect to find a roommate. 


    Will I need a car or can I just use public transportation in Tacoma? 

    • Unfortunately the public transportation in Tacoma is very poor and the city is not walkable. Members of the ministry will need to have their own vehicle while they are with the ministry or be willing to pay for ground transportation. 


    May I attend college while I am with Paradosi? 

    • Yes! We have had many members of the ministry take college courses in their free time, mostly online, as their schedule permits.
    • Please keep in mind that due to performance schedules, especially in December, we strongly encourage ministry members to not take a full-load of courses while with in the ministry. 


    Will Trainee-Apprentices perform? 

    • Yes! Apprentices minister at churches, retirement homes, assisted living centers, schools, shelters, and other venues throughout the season with the ministry.
    • At the discretion of the Artistic Director, Trainee Apprentices and Senior Apprentices may go on tour with the Company Artists.


    Am I required to attend a church? 

    • Yes, all members of the ministry are required to attend a local Christian church of their own choosing. 
    • New members with the ministry will be given several months to find a church after moving to Tacoma.


    Do you accept male applicants? 

    • While the ministry is currently comprised of all female dancers, we are open to male applicants as well; however, for housing and accountability requirements, we must have a minimum of two male dancers serving in the ministry at the same time. Applications from male dancers will be kept on file for six-months and if additional qualified male dancers apply, you will be contacted to begin the audition process. 


    I am not from the United States, may I audition for Paradosi? 

    • Sadly at this time the answer is no. Paradosi does not have the proper credentials from the U.S. government for accepting International students and as company positions are considered volunteer, we can not assist you in obtaining a Visa to be in the United States. 
    • If an applicant is already in the United States with a valid Visa for another purpose, such as being in the U.S. on a school visa or with a work visa, an applicant may be allowed to audition but for "recreational" purposes.  To be in compliance with immigration law, being a student or dancer with the ministry cannot be a primary reason for being in the U.S. 

  • Click this link to download a printable copy of our Video and Photo requirements.  The document also has an application worksheet to help you prepare for submitting your application online. 


    "DOCUMENT BEING UPDATED:" Audition Application Video & Photo Requirements



    VIDEO REQUIREMENTS


    Part 1: Your Information

    At the beginning of your video please:

    1. State your name
    2. Age
    3. Where you are from

    Part 2: Technique Class

    Section A: BARRE

    Please film barre work from the side, rotating combinations on the right and left side. This portion of the video should be no longer than 10-minutes. 


    1. Plié combination

    2. Tendus and dégagés from fifth position

    3. Ronde de jambe

    4. Développé en croix

    5. Grand battements


    Section B: CENTRE

    Please film Centre from the front. Combinations should be demonstrated both right and left. This portion of the video should be no longer than 10-minutes. 


    1. An adagio including a balance, arabesque line and développé 

    2. Pirouettes

    3. Petite allegro

    4. Grand allegro


    Section C: POINTE

    1.Échappés with en-dehors pirouettes

    2.Diagonal turning combination ending in relevé arabesque balance


    Part 3 • Worship Solo

    • Some of you may never have had an opportunity to use dance in worship. To help you to explore this opportunity, we ask that you create a worship solo to share your heart in whatever style is meaningful to you. Your worship solo should be set to a Christian worship song that speaks to you. If invited to come for an in person audition, you will be sharing your solo during the audition.


    Part 4 • OPTIONAL DANCE VARIATION

    • Dance variation of your choice


    Please do not submit dance reels.  If you have prepared a video for other auditions that meets most of our video requirements, please contact us to see if it is acceptable for our needs.  


    Photograph Requirements


    Photo 1: Headshot

    Photo 2: Full body dance photo in 1st arabesque en pointe


  • Please feel free to contact our Director, Larissa Bischoff with any questions that you may have about our Trainee-Apprentice Program, Senior Apprentice information, the audition process, or requests for an audition application extension. 


    Phone: (253)474-4881

    Email: larissa@paradosiballet.org


  • We are excited that you are interested in auditioning for Paradosi Ballet Company!  Please fill out an application and submit it today.  We will review each application received and respond to your inquiry within two-weeks of receiving your application. If you have any questions in preparing your application, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! 


    ONLINE  APPLICATION


    While we prefer to receive applications through our Online Application Form, you may also mail your application to our studio at: 


    Paradosi Ballet - Auditions

    4020 S 56th Street, Suite 105

    Tacoma, WA 98409


    Our Printable Application is being updated and will be added in the upcoming weeks. 



  • Each year we are able to offer a limited number of partial scholarships to students in our Trainee - Apprentice Program.  We do not want resources to be a hinderance to your ability to train and serve with us.    


    Scholarships are not guaranteed and will not be awarded until after auditions are held.