General Application Questions

Q: Do you offer online auditions?
A: Not at this time. As a ministry, we believe the audition process is as much about you getting to know us as it is about us getting to know you. We want you to experience the culture of Paradosi, spend time with the dancers, and share conversations and meals as part of the visit. This helps us discern together whether the ministry is a good fit. Brief online auditions do not provide the same relational experience.

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

Q: Is the audition process different for the Apprentice Program and other dancer positions?
A: No. The application and audition process are the same for the Apprentice Program and all other company dancer positions. Placement is determined by the Audition Committee.

Q: When will I hear back after submitting my application?
A: We prayerfully review each application and aim to respond within 2–3 weeks. If invited to continue, we’ll send information about next steps, which may include an invitation to attend our in-person audition in 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 season begins.

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 the Lord through movement. It can be improvised or choreographed and should reflect your personal style and worship expression. The solo should be set to a Christian worship song and be 2 to 4 minutes in length.

Q: Do I need to be on pointe to audition?
A: No, pointe work is not required. Dancers with limited or developing pointe technique may still be invited into the program. You may be cast in non-pointe pieces based on readiness and repertoire needs, but you will still be fully involved in ministry.

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

Apprentice Program & Schedule

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 training season generally runs from late August through early July, concluding after the Summer Dance Intensive.

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

     

     A typical day includes:

• 9:30–10:00am Devotions/Worship
• 10:00–10:30am Warm-up
• 10:30am–12:30pm Technique Class
• 12:30–12:45pm Lunch
• 12:45–3:00/3:30pm Rehearsal
• Throughout the season we also include weekly Bible studies, ministry training, and outreach opportunities as scheduled.

Q: Will Apprentices dance with the company?
A: Yes! Apprentices dance and minister at churches, care centers, schools, and other venues. They may also be invited to join tours at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Financial Information

Q: Are there costs associated with the Apprentice Program?
A: Dancers who are invited to join the Apprentice Program do not pay tuition like most trainee programs,  Instead, Apprentices are invited to partner with the ministry through a voluntary monthly support pledge. The giving is not a program fee. This expression reflects a heart posture of worship, unity, and a shared commitment to the mission. 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 to 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 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. 

• The organization may cover certain ministry-related expenses when possible, depending on budget and ministry needs, for Company Artists. 

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 for processing missional support.
• Self-Supported: Some work part-time jobs, teach dance, or freelance. Washington state has one of the highest minimum wages in the nation at just under $17 per hour.  Most dancers are able to cover their living expenses working 15-25 hours per week. 
• Family Supported: Some families provide direct support to their dancer.
• Combination: Many dancers use a mix of these. 
• 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 and support. Most dancers share apartments or houses to reduce costs. We will help connect new dancers with potential roommates.

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 in the weeks surrounding Holy Week.

Q: Are dancers required to attend church?
A: Yes. All ministry members must attend a local Christian church of their choice during their time with Paradosi. 

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 do 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 on ministry first and being a ballet company second. We dance to glorify God, not to perform for applause. We go wherever God opens doors for us to share His message of hope—from large theaters to small 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

Company Artists and Senior Apprentices serve in full-time ministry through outreach, worship events, and tours. Dancers rehearse and minister with Paradosi, sharing the Gospel through dance in a wide variety of settings, from street corners and churches to theaters across the U.S., and potentially abroad at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Ballet Ministry Apprentice Program Dancers  (Ballet Trainee Track)

Our Apprentice Program provides the same level of growth and spiritual formation as traditional trainee programs, but through a unique apprenticeship model. Apprentices train alongside company dancers and dance in the company’s repertoire from day one, gaining real-world ministry and performance experience.

This program is designed as a season of spiritual growth and technical development, equipping dancers to:

• Serve in full-time dance ministry,
• Perform with secular or faith based companies
• Teach dance in a variety of settings.

Apprentices are challenged to grow as artists and ministers of the Gospel, while also developing teaching and choreography skills that broaden their future opportunities. Travel and touring opportunities may be offered at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Learn more about our Apprentice Program