Dancer of the Week: Yamil Maldonado

This season we’re featuring a Eugene Ballet dancer of the week to help you get to know these talented artists bringing our season’s ballets to life. Got something you’ve always wanted to ask a professional dancer? Email your questions to [email protected], and they may be featured in our next Dancer of the Week post!

This week, we’d like to introduce you to Yamil Maldonado. Yamil studied with The Sarasota Ballet School with teachers Isabel and Javier Dubroc and danced with Sarasota Ballet and Miami Classical Ballet. He is in his fourth season as a Eugene Ballet Company Dancer. 

See Yamil’s full bio. 

Follow Yamil on Instagram.

-When did you start dancing? What drew you to it?

I started dance classes when I was 7 years old. Honestly, dance provided a chance for me to stay off the streets. I didn’t live in the best  neighborhood and I’m glad ballet helped me keep busy. 

-What are some of your favorite things to do in dance (roles, etc)?

Some of my favorite roles that I have done are the Bluebird in Sleeping Beauty, and Peasant Pas from Giselle. I also love being given the opportunity to understudy soloist and principal roles like Albrecht and the Monkey King from Toni’s Mowgli. I can’t thank Eugene Ballet enough for giving me the chance to grow and learn from understudying these roles. 

-What is something you find challenging or are actively working on improving?

Everything, from the way my arms move from one position to the other, to working on consistent pirouettes. I think we are always learning in ballet, and until I retire, I will continue to learn. 

-What are you doing when you aren’t in the studio or on stage?

I love to read, write, go to the gym, and play video games in my spare time. Anything to keep my mind active, and body relaxed (unless I’m at the gym, I’m which case I’m working on strengthening.) 

-Tell us an interesting fact about you.

I love coffee, like really love coffee! From the sourcing, harvesting, roasting and brewing of it. The coffee world is a big and wonderful place and someday I dream of owning my own shop! 

Check out this video featuring Yamil by Colton West Photography.