At age 9 he began taking tap classes, and by age 11 he had expanded his dance training to include ballet, jazz and lyrical. At age 15, he started traveling around the country to take classes from the best of the best dance educators. Derrick says the only way he was able to make it through the drama of high school was by taking part in a work study program, where he could earn school credits by teaching dance 5 days per week. After graduating high school, he continued to develop his style of choreography. Teaching at 5 studios, he soon became one of the most sought after choreographers in Minnesota.
At the peak of Derrick's popularity as a choreographer, and being a firm believer that a persons dance education is never complete, he decided to pack up his car and move to Los Angeles to expand his career. Since then, he has appeared on ABC Family's "Switched! ," the motion picture "The Gift" and the stage show for Disney's animated feature "Bolt." Other credits include: Tappin' in the Twin Cities with Gregory Hines and Savion Glover, Burnin' The Floor and Blur featuring Carmen Electra, as well as performing with the Seamless Dance Company, Out On A Limb Ballet Company, In*Formation and Keep It Jumpin'. Derrick's teaching methods are based upon embracing your limitations and developing the facility you are given. He believes we are humans first, dancers second, and asks his students to be true with themselves and honest with the art. It's not quantity, but quality.
Derrick's back with a moody and intricate combo! This jazz combo includes dynamic movements that track the song's quick drum patterns and powerful, deep lyrics about fighting for light in dark times.
Level: Int/Adv.
Assisted by: Maddie Joiner
A moody mix of jazz styles and techniques with room for self expression. The class focuses on different ranges of attack and levels to create dynamic movement within the music.
Level: Int/Adv.
Assisted by: Maddie Joiner & Alexandra Rademacher
An upbeat mix of jazz techniques with plenty of space to be creative and unique. This class focuses on phrasing, stylization, and a strong jazz foundation. Make sure and warm up first for this one: it’s FULL OUT!
Level: Int/Adv.
Assisted by: Autumn Miller, Alexis Gilbert, Lonni Olson
A fun and stylized combo utilizing jazz technique in a fresh way. This class focuses on adding your personal style to the foundation of jazz energy and lines.
Level: Int/Adv.
Assisted by: Jenna Sousa, Reggie Valdez
Favorites week finishes up The Space TV's Derrick Schrader bringing you his top pick, an unforgettable, high-energy, gritty jazz combo!
Stay tuned for all new classes next week!
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Your Instructor: Derrick Schrader
Assisted by: Emily Figueroa, Brooke Colletti, Autu...
This high energy mix of jazz movement is fused with earthy beats and guaranteed to make you sweat!
Level: Advanced
Assisted by: Alexis Gilbert
Derrick Schrader brings you an edgy jazz combo filled with intricate hits and signature style. Get ready to perform in this high-energy combo!
Level: Int./Adv.
Your Instructor: Derrick Schrader
Assisted by: Autumn Miller & Brooke Colletti
