Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for or need more information, we’re happy to help—just reach out!
When Can I register for classes?
Surrendered School of Dance offers open registration throughout the school year.
Our school year begins in September and concludes in late May or early June with our Spring Showcase Fundraiser. Students may register for classes online or in person at our main Tacoma campus.
During the summer, we offer limited maintenance ballet classes, and students ages 11–21 may also register for Paradosi Ballet Company’s Summer Dance Intensive.
Please Note:
- There are deadlines for showcase participation. Students who register after these deadlines are still welcome to join classes and learn the choreography, but they may not be able to perform in the showcase.
- The Summer Dance Intensive is not recommended for beginners. Dancers should have a minimum of three or more years of consistent ballet training to participate.
Do students move up a level each year?
At Surrendered School of Dance, students progress through levels based on their individual growth and mastery of skills, rather than automatically advancing each school year. Our goal is to help dancers build a strong foundation in a safe, healthy, and encouraging environment.
For Our Youngest Dancers (Ages 3–8):
- Pre-Primary Ballet: Ages 3–5
- Primary Ballet: Ages 5–7
- Ballet Foundations: Age 8+
Placement in these early levels is based on age, and students typically remain in the same level for the entire school year. Class placement is reviewed annually and adjusted as needed before the start of the next school year.
For Students Ages 8 and Older (Ballet Foundations and Beyond):
Progression is based on demonstrated readiness, which includes:
- Mastery of technical skills and vocabulary
- Physical readiness and safe execution
- Artistic development
Each level typically takes two or more years to master. Since each level builds on the previous one, dancers often spend multiple years in the same level to gain the confidence, strength, and refinement needed to progress successfully.
We believe in meeting students where they are—encouraging steady growth rather than rushing advancement—so they can flourish as dancers and artists.
For Transfer Students (Ages 8+ with Prior Training):
Dancers joining from another studio will participate in a trial class to help determine the most appropriate placement based on current skill and experience.
Do you offer adult classes?
Adults, those over the age of 18, are eligible to enroll in classes designated as “Teen Adult.” Currently, we provide two classes per week specifically tailored for adults.
Ballet Foundations – Beginning Teen Adult Ballet:
This introductory ballet class is designed for dancers aged 12 and above with minimal prior ballet training. It provides an accessible opportunity for individuals who have long aspired to learn ballet but have lacked the necessary exposure.
Intermediate / Advanced Teen Adult Ballet: This class is for dancers in SSD’s Intermediate Ballet C and above as well as dancers with at least 5-years of previous ballet training. This class is a great ballet maintenance class that will help you to keep up on your technique. This class is taken on flat and not intended to be taken en pointe.
May my child take a pointe class?
Pointe classes are by teacher placement only.
Dancing en pointe requires significant strength, technical development, and physical maturity. Beginning pointe work too early can cause serious injury. For this reason, students at Surrendered School of Dance are not permitted to begin pointe training until they have:
- Reached Intermediate Ballet Level C, and
- Are attending ballet classes at least three days per week
If your student is new to SSD—even if they have previously taken pointe at another studio—they will need to be evaluated by one of our instructors before enrolling in a pointe class. This is because every studio has different training standards and progression paths, and we want to ensure your dancer is fully prepared to train safely and successfully within our curriculum.
May I watch my students class?
We want you to be able to enjoy your student’s growth as a dancer! Watching your child dance is one of the great joys of having them in class. However, we’ve found that allowing observers inside the studio can be distracting and may hinder student focus and progress.
To support both student development and parent involvement, we’ve created structured ways for you to observe:
Observation Options by Location:
Tacoma Campus
- Studio 1: Observation window available
- Studios 1 & 3: Monitors with live Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) feed viewable in the lobby and kitchen
Orting Campus
- Parents may observe through the open door between the waiting area and classroom
After School Enrichment Programs
- At this time, class observation is not available for students enrolled in our enrichment programs at private schools.
- However, most schools host an end-of-session chapel or worship event where parents are invited to watch students dance.
- Please reach out directly to your student’s school for details about these opportunities.
We appreciate your understanding as we strive to balance a focused learning environment with meaningful ways for you to celebrate your dancer’s progress!
How do you screen your teachers and staff?
The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority.
All staff, volunteers, and teachers at Surrendered School of Dance are required to:
- Pass a Multi-State Criminal and Sex Offender background check
- Complete an Abuse Awareness Training Course
- Undergo reference checks
In addition, all dance instructors go through an extensive interview and evaluation process to assess both their teaching ability and alignment with our values. Instructors must demonstrate competency in their dance style, sound teaching practices, and a strong commitment to working safely and respectfully with minors before they are permitted to work with minors.
Will my family get to watch my child dance?
Absolutely! We love giving families the opportunity to celebrate their dancer’s growth.
- You’re welcome to watch classes from the observation area in our lobby, which includes a viewing window or live video monitors depending on the studio.
- We also host showcase fundraisers throughout the year, where students have the opportunity to share on stage what they’ve been learning in class.
These moments are a joyful way for families to witness both the technical progress and the heart behind our dancers’ training.
Do you have changing rooms?
We ask that students arrive dressed for class, either wearing their dance attire under street clothes or with warm-ups layered on top.
However, if needed, we do have a single-stall private changing room available at our main Tacoma campus for student use.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and we never want finances to be a barrier for a student who wants to learn to dance.
If your family is facing financial difficulties, we invite you to complete a Financial Aid Application on our website under the Resources tab. Our team will review your request and do our best to support your dancer’s participation.
What is the schools relationship to Paradosi Ballet Company?
Surrendered School of Dance is the official dance school of Paradosi Ballet Company, the Pacific NortSurrendered School of Dance is the official dance school of Paradosi Ballet Company, the Pacific Northwest’s first professional Christian ballet company, founded in 2007.
We are one organization—Paradosi Christian Ballet, a Washington-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit religious organization—operating under a unified leadership and financial structure to fulfill a shared mission:
“Through the arts we will worship God, love people, share the Gospel, and make disciples of Jesus everywhere we go.”
The school plays an integral role in this mission by training dancers not only in technical excellence, but also in worship, character, and discipleship.