General Application Questions

Q: When should I apply?
A: We encourage interested dancers to apply as early as possible. Individual auditions begin in January and continue through June, but opportunities are limited and some openings may be filled before the season ends. 

Q: Do you offer online auditions?
A: Not at this time. We value an in-person audition process so dancers can experience the culture of the ministry and spend time with the team. This is as much about you getting to know us as it is about us getting to know you. 

The only exceptions that may be made to this policy are for applicants who have participated in a Paradosi in-person audition or attended a Paradosi Ballet Company Summer Dance Intensive within the past three years.

Q: What level of training do I need to apply?
A: We look for dancers with a strong classical ballet foundation and a heart for ministry. If you have solid technique and feel called to serve Jesus through dance, we encourage you to apply.

Q: How is placement determined after the audition?
A: All dancers go through the same application and audition process, and placement is determined by the Audition Committee. Depending on readiness, training level, and ministry fit, some applicants may be invited to join the Apprentice Program as the best next step in their development.

Q: What should I know about scheduling an in-person audition?

A: Most individual in-person auditions take place between January and mid-April, based on ministry openings and availability. Very limited opportunities may be available in late April, May, and June. Applicants should be aware that at least one full weekday in the studio will be required as part of the audition process. Specific scheduling details will be arranged with approved applicants.

Q: When will I hear back after submitting my audition application?
A: We prayerfully review each application and aim to respond within 2 weeks. If invited to continue, approved applicants will be contacted about scheduling an individual in-person audition in Tacoma, Washington. 

Q: What are the age requirements to audition?
A: Applicants must be 18 or older by the start of the season in September. High school seniors may audition at age 17 if they will turn 18 before the start of the next season.

Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Auditions are open to applicants who will be 18 or older by the start of the season. High school seniors may audition at age 17 if they will be 18 by the start of the season they are applying for.

Paradosi is first and foremost a Christian ministry. Applicants for Apprentice and company dancer positions should be professing Christians who are willing to train and serve in a Christ-centered environment.

Q: Do my audition photos need to be professionally taken?
A: No. Clear, well-lit photos taken on a phone or personal camera are perfectly acceptable. We just need to see your face (headshot) and technique (arabesque).

Q: What should I include in my worship solo?
A: Your worship solo is your opportunity to express your heart for God through movement. It may be improvised or choreographed and should reflect your personal style of worship. The solo should be set to a Christian worship song and be 3–4 minutes in length. You may cut or end a song early if it exceeds this time.

Q: May I just submit my dance reel instead of your video requirements?
A: No. Dance reels can be helpful, but they do not include the specific class technique and worship solo we need to see. Please follow the listed video requirements, as they allow us to assess applicants clearly and fairly.

Q: Am I required to have a reference letter? 

A: Yes, we do require at least one personal reference letter from someone who knows you well. Letters from your pastor, youth group leader, or small group leader are preferred. Letters from a studio owner, dance instructor, or teacher are also acceptable. Reference letters should not be from a family member. 

Q: Can I audition during Summer Dance Intensive?
A: In some cases, yes. The final audition opportunity of the season may take place during our Summer Dance Intensive for eligible students attending the intensive. Participation in the intensive does not guarantee acceptance into the ministry and all applicants must still complete an Audition Application. 

Apprentice Program & Schedule (If offered a position in the Apprentice Program)

Q: How long is the Apprentice Program?
A: The Apprentice Program is a vocational dance ministry training program that typically spans two seasons. Each dancer is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the length of training may vary. The main season generally runs from late August or early September through June, with some ministry opportunities or touring occasionally extending into summer.

Q: What does a typical weekly schedule look like?
A: We are in the studio Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

A typical day includes:

• 9:30–10:00 a.m. Devotions / Worship
• 10:00–10:30 a.m. Warm-up
• 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Technique Class
• 12:30–12:45 p.m. Lunch
• 12:45–3:00/3:30 p.m. Rehearsal

Throughout the season we also include weekly Bible studies, ministry training, and outreach opportunities as scheduled.

Q: Will dancers have opportunities to participate in ministry outreach and tours?
A: Yes. Paradosi dancers minister through worship services and outreach events at churches, care centers, schools, and other venues. Tour opportunities may also be available, depending on role, readiness, and ministry needs, at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Q: If I am placed in the Apprentice Program, will I also receive teacher training?
A: Yes. Apprentices participate in our Teacher Assistant development program through Surrendered School of Dance. This is part of how we prepare dancers to serve through outreach, workshops, and discipleship in a Christ-centered environment.

Q: How much pointe work will I do?
A: Pointe work is a part of what we share but in a limited capacity.  As we believe in going to where the people are vs making people come to us, not all stage settings are ideal for pointe work.  The main time we share pointe peaces is during the Christmas season when we have more traditional stages for sharing.  Dancers are welcome to take class en pointe throughout the season.

Financial Information

Q: Are there costs associated with the Apprentice Program?
A: Dancers invited to join the Apprentice Program do not pay mandatory tuition like most trainee programs. Instead, Apprentices are invited to partner with the ministry through a voluntary monthly support pledge. Giving is not a program fee, and training continues whether or not someone is able to give.

Apprentices also contribute to tangible program expenses through a one-time Costuming Fee and Ministry Training Materials Fee. These fees help cover the actual cost of costumes, books, and ministry training resources.

Apprentices are responsible for their own housing, meals, transportation, insurance, and personal living expenses.

Q: What are the expenses for Senior Apprentices or Company Artists?
A: Senior Apprentices and Company Artists serve as full-time volunteers.

• Senior Apprentices are requested to cover the season’s Costuming Fee and Ministry Training Materials Fee
• Company Artists do not pay any fees

Both roles are responsible for their own housing, meals, transportation, insurance, and personal living expenses. When possible, the organization may cover certain ministry-related expenses for Company Artists, depending on budget and ministry needs.

Q: How are dancers supported financially?
A: Dancers support themselves in one or more of the following ways:

• Missionary Support: Some raise support through their home church or a third-party nonprofit set up to process missional support.
• Self-Supported: Some work part-time jobs, teach dance, or freelance.
• Family Supported: Some families provide direct support to their dancer.
• Combination: Many dancers use a mix of these.

Washington state has one of the highest minimum wages in the nation at over $17 per hour. Many dancers are able to cover personal living expenses by working part-time, depending on housing, transportation, and individual needs.

Company Artists may receive a small monthly allowance for ministry-related expenses, but they still need personal support to cover living costs.

Living & Logistics

Q: Where do dancers live?
A: Dancers are responsible for finding their own housing. Unmarried dancers are encouraged to live with at least one other ministry member for accountability, support, and living expense sharing. 

Most dancers share apartments or houses with other dancers to reduce costs. We will help connect current and new dancers with potential roommates from within the ministry.

Q: Will I need a car or can I rely on public transportation?
A: A car is strongly recommended. Public transit in Tacoma is limited and may not align with the studio schedule. Ride services like Uber or Lyft can be expensive and unreliable for daily use.

Q: May I attend college while dancing with Paradosi?
A: Yes. Many dancers take online college courses during their free time. We encourage students to limit their course load during program-heavy seasons like December and spring, especially in the weeks surrounding Holy Week.

Q: Do dancers need to be connected to a local church?
A: Yes. We ask all dancers to be actively involved in a local church while serving with Paradosi. This is an important part of spiritual growth and accountability. We encourage each dancer to attend regularly, build relationships, and look for ways to serve. Online-only attendance is not considered a substitute for local church involvement. 

If assistance is requested, we have connections with many local churches from a wide variety of theological backgrounds within the community and can help provide starting places for dancers to start their search for finding a local church. 

International Applicants

Q: I am not a U.S. citizen. May I apply to audition?
A: Unfortunately, not at this time. We are grateful for the passion of dancers from around the world. However, our program is currently open only to applicants residing in the United States and we are not able to make exceptions. There are other Christian dance ministries that welcome international applicants, and we encourage you to prayerfully explore those opportunities as the Lord leads.

About the Ministry

Q: What makes Paradosi unique?
A: Paradosi’s focus is ministry first and a ballet company second. We dance to glorify God, not to perform for applause. We go wherever God opens doors to share His message of hope, from large theaters to shelters, churches, schools, and even street corners. We do not sell tickets and never want finances to hinder someone from hearing the Gospel. We keep our company small and mobile so we can reach more people. If one heart is touched for Jesus, we consider the outreach a success.

Company Dancers: Senior Apprentices and Company Artists

Senior Apprentices and Company Artists serve in full-time ministry. They rehearse, train, and minister with Paradosi through outreach events, worship services, and discipleship through dance education.  Paradosi shares in a wide variety of settings such as schools, churches, theaters, care centers, shelters, universities and street corners across the U.S. and Internationally*.

Ballet Ministry Apprentice Program: Apprentices | Ballet Trainee Track
Read about the Apprentice Program