Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Trainee Program consists of three levels, with placement determined through the audition process according to each dancer’s technical ability, artistry, maturity, and overall readiness.

    Dancers typically spend two to three years in the program, although each dancer’s progression is individual. Advancement is based on continued technical, artistic, spiritual, and professional development rather than simply the amount of time spent in a particular level.

    For dancers interested in joining Ballet Magnificat!’s professional Company, at least one year, and typically two or more years, in the Trainee Program is required before a dancer may be considered for a professional position.

  • Trainees follow a full daytime schedule designed to develop the whole dancer, technically, artistically, spiritually, and professionally.

    Days generally begin with morning worship and prayer, followed by ballet technique and a lunch break. Afternoon training may include pointe, variations, contemporary, conditioning, rehearsals, discipleship/Bible study, and other classes or ministry preparation depending on the trainee’s level and the day of the week.

    To view a sample schedule, please click here.

  • Yes. Trainees follow a professional dress code designed to promote an environment of excellence, modesty, and readiness for training and rehearsal.

    Specific requirements vary by class and performance and include guidelines for dancewear, hair, shoes, warm-ups, and performance attire. The complete dress code is provided in the Trainee Program Handbook upon enrollment.

    The typical daily dress code includes a black leotard, black tights, and black skirt for women, and a white or black shirt, dance belt, and black tights for men.

  • Trainees are responsible for arranging and paying for their own housing and typically live with other trainees in shared apartments or houses in the Jackson metro area. For accountability and community, trainees are not permitted to live alone, and all housing arrangements must be approved by the Trainee Program.

    Our Trainee Administrator assists incoming trainees with the housing process and can help connect new trainees with potential roommates and approved housing options.

    Learn more about housing and student life here.

  • Having a car is not required, but it is highly recommended and makes daily life considerably easier. Trainees are responsible for transportation to and from the studio, church, work, grocery stores, and other personal commitments.

    Trainees who do not have a vehicle typically coordinate transportation with roommates and friends. Most of our trainees have cars, but it is possible to participate in the program without one.

  • Yes. Many trainees work part-time during evenings and weekends to help cover housing and living expenses. Several businesses in the Jackson area have historically been familiar with Ballet Magnificat! trainees and their schedules.

    Because the Trainee Program maintains a full daytime schedule of classes, rehearsals, discipleship, performances, and ministry activities, trainees should plan work commitments carefully so that employment does not interfere with program responsibilities.

  • Trainees are responsible for their tuition and living expenses. Financial arrangements vary from trainee to trainee: some receive support from family, while others use savings, work part-time, raise support, or receive scholarships or assistance from outside organizations.

    We encourage prospective trainees and families to consider the full financial commitment of the program before beginning the year and, when possible, to prepare support in advance so trainees are not overly dependent on working alongside a full training schedule.

    Ballet Magnificat! also offers certain scholarship and fundraising opportunities for eligible trainees.

  • Yes. Ballet Magnificat! offers several scholarship and financial assistance opportunities for qualifying trainees, including the Love of Life Scholarship and Rose Faucher Scholarship, as well as certain assistance opportunities for international trainees.

    Scholarship qualifications and availability vary, and some awards are selected by Ballet Magnificat! rather than through an application process.

    Please see the Tuition & Financial Aid page for more information.

  • Yes, although trainees should recognize that the Trainee Program is a full-time training program and does not leave room during the regular daytime schedule for traditional college classes.

    Some trainees choose to take online courses or evening classes while participating in the program. Any outside coursework should be planned carefully so that it does not interfere with classes, rehearsals, performances, ministry opportunities, or other Trainee Program responsibilities.

    Because the Trainee Program itself requires a significant full-time commitment, trainees who are also enrolled in college typically take 2–4 online classes, or approximately 6–12 credit hours, per semester.

    A traditional full-time college course load of 15 credit hours is not recommended alongside the Trainee Program. Trainees should carefully consider the time required for classes, rehearsals, performances, ministry opportunities, travel, and other program responsibilities when determining an appropriate academic load.

  • Spiritual growth and discipleship are an integral part of the Ballet Magnificat! Trainee Program. In addition to professional dance training, trainees participate in corporate worship and prayer, Bible study, discipleship and evangelism training, a prayer partner program, and ministry opportunities throughout the year.

    Our desire is to help dancers grow not only in technical excellence and artistry, but also in their relationship with Christ, character, servant leadership, and understanding of how their gifts can be used for His glory.

  • Performance and ministry experience are an important part of the Trainee Program, although the number and type of performances vary by level and from year to year.

    Typically trainees will on average perform between 10 and 20 times per year (and oftentimes even more) at various venues.

    Throughout the year, trainees may perform in churches, schools, community events, festivals, nursing homes, and other outreach settings, as well as participate alongside Ballet Magnificat!’s professional Company in the annual Christmas production. Upper-level trainees receive additional performance and touring opportunities, with Trainee Three dancers participating in Events Company touring and Trainee Two and Three dancers often having opportunities for international ministry travel.

    Through these experiences, trainees develop not only as performers, but also in backstage responsibilities, touring skills, professionalism, teamwork, and ministry.

  • The Trainee Program generally begins immediately following Labor Day in early September and concludes in mid-May.

    Exact dates vary slightly each year and are communicated to enrolled trainees in advance.

  • The Trainee Program calendar includes several scheduled breaks throughout the year, typically including:

    • Thanksgiving Break

    • Approximately three weeks for Christmas and New Year

    • Martin Luther King Jr. Day

    • One week of Spring Break

    • Easter Friday & Monday

    Specific dates vary each year and are provided with the annual Trainee Program calendar.

  • No. Trainees are not required to participate in summer classes or Ballet Magnificat!’s Summer Dance Intensive.

    Trainees are welcome to attend or volunteer at the Summer Dance Intensive (SDI) if they would like additional training during the summer, but participation is optional. Ballet Magnificat!’s SDI is held annually during the summer.

    Typically, during the last two to three weeks of summer break, Ballet Magnificat! will offer optional “Trainee Maintenance Classes” to provide an opportunity for dancers to get back into shape before the year officially begins.