Jessie Tretter, 39
& Wyatt Pendleton, 30
THEIR STORY
Jessie Tretter and Wyatt Pendleton are deeply connected through their love of dance. They met while both were dancers at the Rochester City Ballet in western New York. They have been together for five years and are integral parts of the Memphis Ballet community. Jessie manages Ballet Memphis Pilates + Wellness program and enjoys Pilates at mind/body HAUS and the YMCA. Wyatt is a company artist with Ballet Memphis. When they are not dancing or training together, Jessie and Wyatt enjoy a nice dinner where they can sit and talk.
THEIR PATHS TO FITNESS
As lifelong dancers, fitness is part of Jessie and Wyatt’s lifestyle. In addition to dancing, they took up cross-training to stay strong and injury-free, and now enjoy incorporating in a good hike or a run together, as well as Pilates and yoga. Jessie loves to bring Wyatt into Pilates to help solve any problems he has with stiff or painful joints resulting from the wear and tear of his dancing. On the other hand, Wyatt cares for Jessie by encouraging her to take breaks and prioritize self-care rather than overworking herself.
THEIR STRENGTHS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Wyatt admires Jessie’s determination and ability to achieve anything she puts her mind to through her grit and will. “She won’t ever take the easy way through something and will keep working harder until she achieves her goal,” he says. Jessie loves Wyatt’s perspective, as he is analytical and extremely creative. “Wyatt has this amazing sense of self that fuels him to push himself, take risks, and enhance his dancing artistry,” Jessie says.
Jessie is proud of being able to perform as a dancer until age 37 instead of retiring at age 24 as she had initially planned. She also ran a 10K last year, a major feat as she previously did not enjoy running. Wyatt reflects on his accomplishment in performing Trey McIntyre’s “In Dreams,” an exhausting yet rewarding performance for dancers that requires intense strength, stamina, and artistry. He also ran a 25K trail race last year and plans to continue trail racing.
THEIR GOALS & ADVICE
Jessie and Wyatt advise those seeking fitness to make it fun! They emphasize the importance of using exercise as a freeing escape rather than a chore. By finding something you can stick with, a community that brings you joy, and prioritizing rest, success is inevitable.
Wyatt’s future plans include running another 25K and perhaps a marathon while continuing to dance healthily. Jessie aims to grow as a Pilates instructor and obtain her instructor trainer certification for STOTT Pilates, enabling her to train aspiring instructors.