| Paradosi Ballet Company | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Name | Paradosi Ballet Company |
| Previous names | Paradosi Christian Ballet Company |
| Year founded | 2007 |
| Founders | Joel & Tennille Carver |
| Location | Tacoma, Washington |
| Website | www |
| Senior staff | |
| Executive Director | Jeff Bischoff |
| Artistic staff | |
| Artistic Director | Larissa Bischoff |
| Other | |
| Official school | Surrendered School of Dance www |
Paradosi Ballet Company is a professional Christian dance company and ballet ministry based in Tacoma, Washington. Founded in 2007, Paradosi is recognized as the first professional Christian ballet company in the Pacific Northwest. [1] The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and includes a touring company, an apprentice and ballet trainee program, and an affiliated school, the Surrendered School of Dance.
Paradosi Ballet Company was established to unite classical ballet technique with Christian worship and evangelism. The founders envisioned a professional ensemble that would use dance as a form of worship and public testimony. Early performances were presented in churches and community venues throughout Washington before the company expanded to national and international tours. [2]
The first international mission occurred in 2010 in France, marking the beginning of Paradosi’s global outreach ministry. Subsequent European tours expanded to Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Paradosi has appeared at major cultural events such as the Festival d’Avignon and the Montreux Jazz Festival, often partnering with local churches and missionary organizations to share faith-based performances. [3] Leadership later transitioned to Executive Director, Jeff Bischoff and Artistic Director, Larissa Bischoff, who continue to lead the company’s ministry, education, and touring initiatives.
Paradosi’s mission statement is: “Through the arts we will worship God, love people, share the gospel, and make disciples of Jesus everywhere we go.” [4] The company expresses this mission through worship events, prayer ministry, teaching, and outreach in churches, schools, care centers, shelters, and other public venues. Its programs combine dance, sermons, and personal testimony to communicate biblical topics and encourage faith in audiences worldwide. [5] [6]
Paradosi Ballet Company tours extensively throughout the United States and Europe, using dance as a platform for Christian worship and evangelism. [7] [8] [9]
The company tours annually through Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, and Idaho, dancing in churches, schools, and theaters. Expanded tours have reached Colorado, Delaware, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Notable appearances include ministry and worship in 2022 at David’s Tent on the National Mall and outreach near the Supreme Court of the United States. [10]
Paradosi has completed multiple international tours, performing and teaching across Europe in partnership with churches and ministries: [11]
These tours often coincide with major arts festivals such as the Festival d’Avignon and the Montreux Jazz Festival, and involve collaboration with churches, missionary organizations, and community ministries throughout Europe.
Established in 2011, the Paradosi Ballet Ministry Apprentice Program serves as both a ballet trainee program and an immersive discipleship experience. Apprentices train and perform alongside the professional touring company, receiving advanced instruction in ballet technique, choreography, and ministry leadership. [12] The program integrates theology and evangelism courses with practical outreach training, preparing dancers for careers in both professional performance and Christian service.
| Surrendered School of Dance | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Name | Surrendered School of Dance |
| Previous names | Surrendered School of the Arts |
| Year founded | 2009 |
| Location | Tacoma, Washington |
| Website | www |
Surrendered School of Dance, was founded in 2009 as the official school of Paradosi Ballet Company, offers training in classical ballet, contemporary, and modern dance for students ages three through adult. The school operates campuses in Tacoma and Orting, and provides after-school programs through private school partnerships in Gig Harbor and Tacoma. [14] Originally known as “Surrendered School of the Arts,” the school emphasizes technical excellence, spiritual growth, and age-appropriate artistic expression. [15] It functions under the same nonprofit umbrella as Paradosi Ballet and provides a pathway into the company’s apprentice and ministry programs.
The school earned The News Tribune (Tacoma) | The News Tribune’s “Best of Pierce County” awards — Silver (2024) and Bronze (2025) — in the Dance Studio category. [16] [17]
Paradosi’s work combines classical and contemporary ballet with worship focused on connecting people to Jesus. Each season features original choreography by Artistic Director Larissa Bischoff, with contributions from EmmaLeah Resleff, Hannah Franco, Cambria Best, Tabi Spurlin, Bonnie Calvert, and others. Paradosi draws on the creativity and experience of both current company members and alumni to develop its repertoire. [18] [19]
Early works such as *Project Grace*, *Sealed*, *I AM*, and *Forever* helped define Paradosi’s narratively driven and worship-centered artistic voice.
The Center for Leadership Development partners with Paradosi Ballet Company to train artists for ministry. Founded in 2007 by Joel and Tennille Carver, Paradosi is the Pacific Northwest's first professional Christian ballet company.
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