Derek Drilon began his ballet training in 2009 at Northwest Classical Ballet in Vancouver, WA, under the direction of his mother, Maricar Drilon. During his time at NCB, he danced numerous principal roles in full-length ballets and contemporary works.

 

His international performance credits span countries including China, Canada, France, Mexico, Germany, and the Philippines.

 

In 2016, Derek joined Boston Ballet under the artistic direction of Mikko Nissinen and associate direction of Peter Stark. While there, he performed works by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Marius Petipa, August Bournonville, John Cranko, Mikko Nissinen, Ivan Liška, Jorma Elo, Christopher Wheeldon, and William Forsythe. In 2018, he joined The Joffrey Ballet, where he currently dances as a Company Artist.

 

Derek was the Grand Prix Winner at the 2016 Youth America Grand Prix semi-final in Chicago, IL. After moving onto the Final Round in New York, he was the only male candidate representing the U.S. to place among the Top Six Senior Men. He was also a senior-finalist in the 2018 XI USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MS.

 

In 2019, he was invited to join Ballet Philippines as a Guest Principal Dancer for their 50th Anniversary season, performing the role of Albrecht in Giselle. He continues to perform as a Guest Artist for dance companies and schools around the world.