Wendell has been in and around the sports of gymnastics and dance for nearly 40 years. At age 9, he began his gymnastics career at the Reynolds High School summer program. Wendell began dance training at age 14 with (the) Vicki Mills School of Dance. By the time he reached high school, Wendell had won more than a dozen state titles. These included 1st place All-Around titles in his junior and senior years as well as a team title in his senior year. Wendell went on as a scholarship athlete for gymnastics to Brigham Young University where he became an All-American in several events and served as team captain. Upon returning to Portland, Wendell continued his education at Portland State University. There, he refocused his efforts into all forms of dance, especially ballet.

In 1989, Wendell was accepted into the Oregon Ballet School of Dance as a student and was also recruited as a member of Oregon Ballet. He performed for OBT for the next four years. During this time, his performances included "Rodeo" by Agnes DeMille, "Romeo & Juliet and Carmen" by James Canfield, Theatre Dances, "Ellington Suite" and "Scheherazade" by Dennis Spaight, Lead role in "Moor's Pavane" by Jose Limon and countless "Nutcrackers".

Other professional dance(s) include(s): "Company We Keep" (PSU Resident Company) Judy Patton, Portland Opera Association, Musical Theatre Company and Portland Civic Theatre.

Wendell's commercial work includes Bank of Hawaii and Goodwill. Wendell appeared In the original movie "Footloose". In 2013, Wendell was inducted into the Reynolds High School Hall of Fame for his achievement in Sports - Gymnastics of course.

Wendell will be teaching all ballet and gymnastics classes in Molalla this season. He will be revising the structure of our ballet program and is excited to be working with our talented dancers.

 

KAPA Fall 2015 - Present