Derek trained as a Ballroom and Latin dancer in his native Australia and became Australian champion.
After several years as a dancer on the amateur circuit, Derek turned professional which took him to the USA. He became one of the top 12 Ballroom and Latin tutors in America, and taught many of the up and coming professionals that we now see on Americas Dancing With The Stars.
He also trained a lot of the Australian champions in their grades and levels; once again bringing them from amateur to professional status on the ballroom dance circuit.