 Maldonado studied with Abdul Hamzen of the Maryinsky Theatre in Budapest, Hungary, for advanced training.Upon returning from Budapest he began his career as a student dancing with Pacific Northwest Ballet under the direction of Kent Stowell and Francia Russell, formerly of the New York City Ballet.After completing that season he earned a contract dancing principal roles with the Oregon Ballet Theatreunder the direction of James Canfield, former principal with the Joffrey Ballet.