 After a year of guesting appearances he accepted the post as the Associate Director of the Pacific Festival Ballet, where he created ten new works and danced principal and leading roles.After two years as Associate Director, Maldonado moved to Duluth, Minnesota, and founded the American National Ballet, where he created 45 additional works.Maldonado was celebrated by "The Tribune" and critically acclaimed for his “Innovative” works, and was considered “one to watch for”.