Discipleship Through Ballet Training
Surrendered School of Dance (SSD) is the official ballet school of Paradosi Christian Ballet, the Pacific Northwest’s first professional Christian ballet company. As a ministry, we exist to create a Christ-centered environment where dancers grow in both technical excellence and spiritual formation. We believe that dance is a meaningful avenue for worship, discipleship, and building community. We seek to nurture the whole person: body, mind, and spirit through the art of ballet.
What Makes Us Different
Surrendered School of Dance provides a nurturing atmosphere that sets us apart from many traditional studios. We use age-appropriate music, encourage modesty, self-worth, and inclusivity in a non-competitive environment that celebrates each dancer’s progress at a healthy pace.
Our classes follow the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum (Described below). This gives students a strong technical foundation in classical ballet training that supports both recreational growth and preparation for professional training if they choose to pursue it.
Our instructors are experienced professional dancers and teachers who care deeply about the students they serve. Their desire is not only to build strong dancers but also to help cultivate character, confidence, and a heart that honors God in all things.
Open to the Community
While our school is rooted in Christian values, we welcome dancers from all backgrounds. You do not need to share our beliefs to participate. We simply ask that all students and families respect the Christ-centered environment we provide. We are grateful for every dancer who joins our community and we desire for each one to flourish here.
Ballet Teaching Method
Surrendered School of Dance (SSD) is committed to imparting sound classical ballet technique principles that harmoniously blend elements from the French, Italian, and Russian schools of training. Our teachers draw from diverse teaching methodologies, including Cecchetti, Royal Academy of Dance, Balanchine, and Vaganova; however, SSD does not rigidly adhere to a single syllabus. Our goal is to provide students with a robust foundation of precise classical ballet technique, enabling them to effortlessly integrate and adapt to various styles.
As a testament to our commitment to incorporating proper technique, Surrendered School of Dance’s Artistic Director, Larissa Bischoff, holds certifications as an ABT® Certified Teacher. Larissa has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Pre-Primary through Level 5 classes taught by Larissa adhere to the ABT® National Training Curriculum. The AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum, is a breakthrough 9 level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.
Classes not taught directly by Larissa continue to be under her oversight to maintain consistency in the level of training provided to students. This allows our students to receive unified instruction throughout the school and supports steady, age-appropriate development in their technique and artistry.
Mission
Surrendered School of Dance is an integral part of Paradosi Christian Ballet Company, a Washington based 501(c)(3) nonprofit religious organization. One of our core values is: ministry first, dance second. We use dance as the creative setting where students are encouraged in character, faith, and community while developing strong classical ballet technique.
Our mission is that:
“Through the arts we will worship God, love people, share the gospel, and make disciples of Jesus everywhere we go.”
At Surrendered School of Dance, our heart is to provide quality dance instruction in a Christ-centered environment. We believe that dance can be a place where students grow both artistically and spiritually. Our desire is to encourage love, kindness, and joy in the world through the way we teach, create, and move. We aim to nurture a deeper appreciation for the arts, a heart for worship, and movement that reflects and honors our Creator.
“Let all that you do be done in love”
Our History
Paradosi Ballet Company is the Pacific Northwest’s first professional Christian ballet company. The ministry began in 2007 with a desire to share the love of Jesus through worshipful dance and personal witness.
As the ministry grew, we recognized a need for high quality classical ballet instruction offered in a family friendly environment that honored God and encouraged students in both character and technique.
We wanted to provide a space where families could trust that their children would study dance in an environment that protects innocence, nurtures healthy artistic expression, utilizes age appropriate choreography and music, and provides a wholesome alternative to some of the pressures often present in mainstream dance environments..
In 2009, Surrendered School of Dance opened as an integral part of the organization to help meet that need providing a nurturing space where students can grow in skill, confidence, and Christ-centered community. We welcomed our first students at a small studio in Edgewood. In 2011 we moved to our current studio in Tacoma, which has allowed us to serve more families and expand our programs.
Through the years we have also taught classes at satellite locations in Tacoma, Edgewood, Orting, Auburn, and Gig Harbor, as well as in after school programs at private and public schools throughout the region.
We have been grateful for every student who has come through our doors. It has been a joy to invest in the lives of young dancers and their families. We look forward to continuing this work and sharing the gift of dance with new students for many years to come.
“Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Please Note:
* While we are a faith-based organization, our studio is open to all in the community regardless of their beliefs.
** We use family-friendly music that includes Christian worship music in the classroom. Instructors may at their discretion pray, share scripture, or discuss matters of faith as part of the class environment.
*** Tuition at Surrendered School of Dance is structured as a requested minimum contribution that supports the ministry and operations of the school. Families facing financial hardship may request tuition assistance. No student is prevented from participating in our discipleship-through-dance community due to financial limitations.
Employment
• Any employment opportunities will be listed on Linkedin.