Paradosi Ballet Company
Paradosi Ballet Company was founded in 2007 as the first professional Christian ballet company in the Pacific Northwest. Paradosi is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian dance company that was established with the goal of sharing the love and teachings of Jesus through dance, drama, and personal witness. The organizations mission is to: "Worship God, Love People, Share the Gospel, and to Make Disciples of Jesus Everywhere We Go". The organization uses dance in Christian ministry by sharing Bible based story ballets, leading worship in churches, dancing during evangelistic outreach events, sharing the gospel message, and through the sharing  of personal testimonies from the stage. Touring Company. Paradosi's touring company performs throughout the US and internationally using dance as an evangelism tool, leading Christian churches in worship, and teaching master classes and choreography at studios and Universities. The touring company has toured extensively within the United States and in 2011 began embarking on international outreach tours. The touring company's primary international focus has been in France and Switzerland partnering with local and international ministry teams for evangelistic events during major arts festivals such as the Festival d'Avignon and Montreux Jazz Festival. Apprentice Program. Paradosi's apprentice program  began in 2011 with two dancers and has grown to now include three levels of dance training. The Apprentice Program was developed to help dancers to continue to grow in ballet artistically while learning how to use dance in ministry settings. The Apprentice Program serves to feed dancers into the touring company while also preparing them to dance with other companies, become dance teachers, and to serve with other ministries. Dancers in the Apprentice Program participate in ministry opportunities at local churches, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, shelters, and schools. School of Dance. Paradosi's dance school, Surrendered School of  Dance, formerly called Surrendered School of the Arts was established in 2009. The school offers dance classes in ballet, contemporary dance, hip hop, and expressive sign language for students from the ages of three through adult at four campuses in Tacoma, Orting, and Gig Harbor in Washington state. The schools Dance Ensemble, which is open to students in Ballet 3 and higher, dances and shares with audiences at local nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and churches. Annual Summer Dance Intensive. Each summer Paradosi hosts an annual summer dance intensive for students ages 11 to 21 in Tacoma, Washington that draws  students from across the United States and internationally. During the intensive students are exposed to different dance styles while learning choreography, participating in daily chapels, and Bible studies. At the end of the intensive students have an opportunity to share what they have learned during a gala performance for their family and friends. Choreographers. Paradosi does not have one set choreographer. Paradosi pulls from the talent within the ministry, both current and past members, encouraging creative worshipful expression from the members of the ministry to keep the repertoire fresh and interesting for audiences. Current Contributing choreographers include: Larissa Bischoff, Tabi  Spurlin, Skylar Moore, Annie Dick, Roshelle Howard, Bonnie Calvert, Tennille Carver, Hope Livingston Repertoire. Abide (2021 - 2022) All Things New (2020 - 2021) Living Hope (2019 - 2020) The Carols of Christmas (2018 - 2020 Version) The Carols of Christmas (2016 - 2017 Version) Closer (2016 - 2018) Identity (2014 - 2015) Forever (2014 - 2016) I AM (2013 - 2014) Commissioned (2008 - 2015) Awakening (2012 - 2013) A Walk With Paul (2008 - 2013) Sealed (2010 - 2012) Project Grace (2007 - 2009)