The Program
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
1 Timothy 4:8
ABOUT
Ballet Magnificat is honored to be home to one of the first Christian Trainee Programs in the world. With over 500 graduates from over 15 nations (the United States, New Zealand, Australia, China, Malaysia, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, France, Canada, South Africa, and Israel).
The Trainee Program has proven effective in preparing young artists for professional careers with the Company of Ballet Magnificat. In addition, Trainee Program graduates have gone on to be successful in other dance companies, arts and ministry organizations, and schools across the world.
The mission of the Trainee Program is to establish Jesus Christ as the foundation in the life of every Trainee. Ballet Magnificat’s desire is to equip the trainees technically and artistically to bring God glory both on and off the stage. The Trainee Program not only equips dancers with our unique technique style and choreography, but also with discipleship courses and devotional times. The Program is designed so that trainees emerge as not just stronger dancers, but stronger Christians.
LEVEL PLACEMENT
The Ballet Magnificat! Trainee Program has three levels. Level placement is determined at the time of the audition.
Dancers typically participate in the Program for two to three years. The levels have their own original repertoire that is used for performances and ministry in the city of Jackson, the state of Mississippi, across the United States, and around the world. All three levels annually perform with the Ballet Magnificat! Professional Company. Performance experience, in combination with all the other aspects of the Trainee Program, shapes and molds the individual heart of each Trainee, and strengthens in them the desire to live boldly as children and artists of the Lord.
TRAINING
All levels of the program are taught by the faculty of Ballet Magnificat! and the Trainee Program Staff. Each day begins with a morning worship and prayer time where all members of Ballet Magnificat! join together. This is followed by Technique class, lunch break, and two afternoon classes. Afternoon classes include: Contemporary, Conditioning, Pointe, Variations, Discipleship/Bible study, and Trainee Company rehearsals.
The Trainee Program of Ballet Magnificat! uses a Vaganova syllabus, modified to Ballet Magnificat!’s unique style. The Trainee Program follows the calendar of the Jackson Public School system, September through May. Trainees are encouraged, but not required, to participate in Ballet Magnificat!’s annual Summer Dance Intensive.
PERFORMANCES
Performance experience is an important element in growing as artists. Therefore, trainees have the opportunity to perform in schools, festivals, nursing homes, and churches, as well as with the Company in our annual Christmas Production.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Trainees often have the opportunity to be a part of other creative projects in our community, using movement and worship in unique ways outside the studio. This video project, titled “Hold On”, features our Trainee Two level!
