Derek Dunn

Derek Dunn (born 1995) is a principal dancer with the Boston Ballet.[1]

Biography

Dunn was raised in Glen Burnie, Maryland and began dancing at the Edna Lee Dance Studio, following in the steps of his older sister.[2] He attended the Kirov Academy of Ballet's summer intensive program,[2] then from 2009 to 2012, trained at the Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia.[1][3][4]

Before joining a professional company, Dunn earned multiple awards, including the Youth America Grand Prix (2008),[2] the Junior Gold Medal (2010), the Senior Gold Medal at the Youth America Grand Prix (2012),[2] and the Junior Bronze Medal in USA International Ballet Competition (2010).[1]

Dunn joined the Houston Ballet in 2012.[1] In 2015, he sustained injuries to both feet, forcing him to pause his dance career for six months.[2] Despite his injuries, he was promoted to demi-soloist in 2016.[5] During his time with the Houston Ballet, Dunn received many positive reviews.[6][7]

He was named one of Dance magazine's "25 to Watch" in 2014[8] and an Outstanding Male Dancer in Dance Europe for the 2013–2014 season. He was also on the cover of October/November 2016 issue of Pointe magazine.[9][2]

Dunn joined the Boston Ballet as a soloist in 2017 and was promoted to principal dancer in 2018.[1] He has received many positive reviews of his performances since joining.[10][11][12][13][14]

In 2021, Dunn danced at the Festival South Road Trip,[15] as well as the USA International Ballet Competition Showcase.[16]

References
  1. "Derek Dunn | Principal Dancer". Boston Ballet. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  2. Wozny, Nancy (2016-10-12). "Defying Gravity: Derek Dunn Has Flown Into the Spotlight at Houston Ballet". Pointe Magazine. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  3. "Media & Press". The Rock School for Dance Education. 2016. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  4. Wingenroth, Lauren (2020-09-17). "The Dance Teacher Awards Brought Us Together and Gave Us Hope". Dance Teacher. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  5. "Derek Dunn - Ballet Competition -". International Ballet Competition. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  6. Fuhrer, Margaret (2017-06-23). "Watch These Houston Ballet Men Absolutely Slay "La Bayadère" Choreo on Pointe". Dance Spirit. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  7. Nungaray, Kristina. "BWW Reviews: Houston Ballet's PETER PAN is a Whimsical Good Time". Broadway World. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  8. Wozny, Nancy (2014-01-02). "25 to Watch 2014". Dance Magazine. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  9. Sucato, Steve (2020-08-23). "Revisiting Pointe's Past Cover Stars: Derek Dunn (October/November 2016)". Pointe Magazine. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  10. "Boston Ballet The Nutcracker: Of Sugar Plum Fairies and Snow Queens". CriticalDance. 2020-01-06. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  11. Campbell, Karen (2019-12-25). "Standout Performances of 2019: Boston Ballet's Derek Dunn in "Vestris"". Pointe Magazine. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  12. Rabinowitz, Chloe. "New Orleans Ballet Association to Present The 50th ANNIVERSARY EVENING OF STARS". Broadway World. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  13. Pottiger, Maya (December 13, 2018). "Derek Dunn Returns To Perform "Nutcracker" On CHS Stage". Pasadena Voice. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  14. Stanley, Jenn (September 16, 2019). "Legendary 'Giselle' Dancer Teaches Next Generation Of Dancers The Role At The Boston Ballet". WBUR News. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  15. "Festival South Road Trip". International Ballet Competition. 2021-05-21. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
  16. "On Pointe USA International Ballet Competition Showcase". Festival South. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
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