Paradosi Ballet Company

In the heart of Tacoma, Washington, a unique and inspiring performing arts organization stands out: Paradosi Ballet Company. Founded in 2007, Paradosi is not just another ballet company; it is the Pacific Northwest's first professional Christian ballet company, dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus through the art of dance and personal witness. For locals in the Washington region seeking performing arts experiences that offer both artistic excellence and profound spiritual depth, Paradosi Ballet Company provides a truly distinctive and uplifting experience.

The name "Paradosi" comes from the Greek word "Paradosis," meaning "to give over" or "to surrender," reflecting the company's core mission: "Through the arts we will worship God, love people, share the Gospel, and make disciples of Jesus everywhere we go!" The dancers of Paradosi are full-time volunteers who choose to surrender their talents back to Jesus, focusing on worship rather than entertainment. This commitment creates performances that are not merely shows but powerful acts of worship designed to speak directly to the heart, transcending barriers and offering a glimpse of "the beauty, hope, and love of Jesus." Whether performing in traditional theaters, churches, or community outreach settings, Paradosi Ballet Company brings a message of hope and inspiration through the grace and power of ballet, making it a truly impactful presence in the Washington performing arts scene.

Paradosi Ballet Company is primarily based at 4020 S 56th St Suite 105 B, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA. This central location in Tacoma makes the company's home base and associated school (Surrendered School of Dance) highly accessible for residents across the South Puget Sound region and beyond. Areas like Federal Way, Lakewood, Puyallup, and other surrounding communities in Washington find this location convenient for attending local performances, workshops, or for those participating in their dance school programs. The facility offers practical access, minimizing travel time for those eager to experience or engage with their unique ministry. Ample parking is typically available, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free visit. While Paradosi Ballet Company is a touring company, their Tacoma address serves as their operational heart, providing a local point of connection for the Washington community.

Paradosi Ballet Company offers a range of services centered around their mission of worship, evangelism, and discipleship through dance. Their offerings extend beyond traditional performances to include community engagement and educational opportunities.

• Touring Performances / Worship Sets: Paradosi Ballet Company tours extensively throughout the United States and internationally, performing "worship sets" rather than traditional story ballets. These performances utilize original choreography set to worship music, designed to lead audiences into the presence of God and share the Gospel message. They are available for churches, schools, universities, conferences, fairs, festivals, retirement communities, shelters, and other venues.
• Community Outreach Events: A significant portion of their work involves local outreach, where they share worship and fellowship at care centers, retirement homes, rehab facilities, homeless shelters, and schools. These events often do not charge a booking fee, as the mission is to share the love of Jesus with communities that may not have access to such performances.
• Dance Workshops and Master Classes: Paradosi offers dance workshops and master classes at Christian dance studios and universities across the U.S. These sessions help dancers grow artistically and in their faith, providing unique instruction that integrates spiritual development with ballet technique.
• Christian Summer Dance Intensive: Each summer, Paradosi hosts an annual dance intensive in Tacoma, drawing students aged 11 to 21 from around the world. This intensive focuses on teaching dancers how to use their gifts to glorify God, incorporating daily chapels, creative worship, and Bible studies alongside intensive ballet training.
• Ballet Ministry Apprentice Program: For post-high school dancers, Paradosi offers an immersive apprenticeship program. Dancers train and serve alongside the touring company, learning to use dance in ministry settings and preparing for potential roles within Paradosi or other Christian dance ministries.
• Personal Testimonies and Prayer Ministry: Beyond the dance itself, company members often share personal testimonies from the stage and engage in prayer ministry, further enhancing the evangelistic and discipleship aspects of their performances.
• Booking Availability: Organizations in Washington and beyond can book Paradosi Ballet Company for various events, including church worship nights, fundraisers, school chapels, and evangelistic gatherings. They aim to make their ministry accessible, often not charging booking fees but inviting love offerings.

Paradosi Ballet Company is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its unique position in the performing arts landscape and its deep commitment to its mission. These aspects contribute to its impactful presence and resonance with audiences.

• Faith-Based Mission: At its core, Paradosi is a Christian ministry. Its primary goal is to "Worship God, Love People, Share the Gospel, and Make Disciples of Jesus Everywhere We Go!" This spiritual foundation permeates every aspect of their work, from choreography to personal interactions.
• Professional Volunteer Dancers: The company is comprised of full-time volunteer dancers who choose to "surrender their talents and gifts in dance back to Jesus." This dedication highlights a profound commitment to their mission, setting them apart from purely commercial performance companies.
• Focus on Worship, Not Entertainment: While their performances are artistically beautiful, the company emphasizes that their focus is on worship, not merely entertainment. This distinction means audiences experience a deeper, more spiritually engaging event, with many leaving saying, "That wasn't a performance... that was worship."
• Original Choreography: Paradosi Ballet Company creates original "worship sets" for each season, ensuring that their performances are fresh, relevant, and specifically designed to convey their message through unique movement and expression. They do not dance to be seen, but to lead others into the presence of God.
• Community and Global Outreach: The company is highly active in outreach, consistently performing for diverse audiences in various settings, including those who may not typically experience live ballet. Their touring extends nationally and internationally, fulfilling their mission to reach people everywhere.
• Educational Component: Through Surrendered School of Dance (their official ballet school), the Christian Summer Dance Intensive, and the Ballet Ministry Apprentice Program, Paradosi is deeply invested in training the next generation of dancers and ministers, providing a holistic approach to dance education infused with spiritual growth.
• Impactful Testimonies and Engagement: Beyond the physical performance, the company utilizes personal testimonies and opportunities for prayer ministry to connect with audiences on a deeper level, making their events a powerful blend of artistic expression and spiritual encounter.
• Accessible Ministry: Paradosi operates as a non-profit organization and endeavors to make its ministry accessible. They typically do not charge booking fees for their performances, relying on donations and offerings, which allows them to share their message with a wider range of organizations and communities.

To connect with Paradosi Ballet Company, whether to inquire about booking a performance, learn about their educational programs, or for general information, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 4020 S 56th St Suite 105 B, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA

Phone: (253) 474-4881

Email (General/Donor Inquiries): support@paradosiballet.org

Email (Booking Inquiries): booking@paradosiballet.org

Email (Auditions/Apprenticeship): larissa@paradosiballet.org

Paradosi Ballet Company is an exceptionally suitable and valuable performing arts organization for locals in the Washington region, particularly for those who appreciate ballet infused with a profound spiritual purpose. Its Tacoma base provides a tangible connection point for the community, even as the company maintains an extensive touring schedule. What makes Paradosi so unique and appealing to local audiences is its unwavering commitment to its mission: using high-caliber ballet not just for entertainment, but as a vehicle for worship, evangelism, and community outreach. The experience of attending a Paradosi performance is often described as transformative, offering not only beautiful artistry but also an uplifting spiritual encounter, as noted by audience members who feel the "love you ladies have shown for the Lord through ballet and worship music." For individuals and families in Washington seeking performing arts that resonate on a deeper level, foster positive values, and engage with the community in meaningful ways, Paradosi Ballet Company stands as a shining example. They are a local treasure that brings beauty, hope, and inspiration through the power of dance, making them a truly enriching addition to our cultural landscape.

Paradosi Ballet Company

4020 S 56th St Suite 105 B, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA