• Not everyone who applies or auditions will be accepted into the Trainee Program or Touring Company.  Applicants will be assessed on their technical dance abilities, artistry, and spiritual maturity by the staff of Paradosi.  Your application, references, testimony, personal audition, and prayerful consideration will be utilized in our decision making process. 

What are the minimum age requirements to audition?

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the trainee program during the second week of September.   If you will be turning 18 after the start date but before the end of December please feel free to contact us to discuss your situation.
  

What is the commitment length for Apprentices?

• Apprentices are full-time volunteers in the ministry and commit to serving in the ministry on a year-by-year basis.  The apprenticeship starts in August when the Touring Company season begins for the year and runs through the end of our summer dance intensive or international outreach tour in early to mid July.
  

Do trainees pay tuition?

• Yes, tuition is $2,400 US per year, which equates to $240 per month September through June.  Tuition is due by the 5th day of every month.  Late fees may apply if tuition is not received on time.  There is also an annual ministry training and costuming fee that is paid at the beginning each season. 

How are trainees and apprentices financially supported?

• Ministry members are responsible for their own living expenses.  Some members receive support from family and friends while other work part-time jobs to cover their living expenses.  Many to the ministry members work at retail stores and restaurants in their off hours to support themselves in their calling.  Accepted applicants are encouraged to start seeking financial support and saving funds prior to joining the ministry in order to reduce the amount of hours that they may need to work to cover their expenses during the year.
  

Where do Trainees and Apprentices live?

• Ministry members are responsible for finding and paying for their own housing. Most of the ministry members live in apartments or houses with other members of the ministry.   Some members also choose to find a host home from their local church to live. If accepted into the program we will provide contact information for all of the members of the ministry so you can connect to find roommates.  Trainees and Apprentices are not allowed to live alone and must live with at least one other ministry member for safety and accountability.  
  

May I take college classes while serving and learning with Paradosi?

• Of course! Members are free to attend college in their free time or take classes online as their schedule permits. However, due to performance schedules, we strongly encourage ministry members to not take a full-load of courses while serving in the ministry.  
  

Will trainees perform?

• Yes! Trainees minister at local retirement homes, assisted living centers, schools, and for kids church throughout the season.  Trainees may also have the opportunity to dance with the Touring Company during the Christmas season or when touring company members are injured or ill. 
  

What does the schedule look like for a trainee?

• Trainees will have dance and discipleship classes Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 3:00pm.  They will also be involved in outreach programs and special events on some evenings and weekends as well as learning to teach dance one night per week in the Paradosi's dance school.  The day starts with devotions, followed by technique class, lunch, then either alternate dance and fitness classes,  pointe, rehearsal, Bible study, or ministry training.  
  

Beliefs

• All applicants should be self-professing Christians with a desire to share the love of Jesus through the arts
• All Trainees and Touring Company members will need to agree with the ministries Statements of Faith
• All ministry members are required to regularly attend a local Christian church of their own choosing

Male Applicants

• While the ministry is currently comprised of all female dancers, the program is open to male applicants as well.  However, for housing and accountability requirements, we must have a minimum of two male dancers accepted into the program 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.

International Students & Applicants

• As Paradosi is not a registered trade school and does not have the proper credentials from the government for accepting International students, we cannot assist you in obtaining a Visa to be in the United States.  
• Exceptions may be made for Canadian citizens.  If you are a Canadian citizen; please contact us for more details.  
• If an applicant is already in the United States with an appropriate Visa already having been secured for another purpose, Example: school or work, they may apply for the Trainee Program with the understanding that they will be participating in the program strictly as a hobby. Again we cannot assist you in obtaining a Visa to be in the United States.
• Our friends in ministry at Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, Mississippi are already set up to take International students directly and we encourage you to apply for their program.
• International students may attend our annual summer dance intensive while visiting the US on vacation.