Dancing Derek

Derek always seemed to have a presence during Mollie's and my choreography sessions. We found ourselves asking "How would this compliment Derek?" Of course, that didn't matter because Derek was almost always the hardest working student at rehearsals. If the movement didn't compliment him, he would practice the steps until they did. Derek was magnetic on stage and it was difficult not to cater the choreography to him. He was an incredible role model to students in the theatre program in that way. During notes at the last dance rehearsal for Shrek, I said this, "Derek is pulling my eye because he is putting so much joy into the movement. I believe him. If the rest of you are having as much fun as Derek, show me."

Mollie and I had a lot of other encounters with Derek. As dance teachers, we are connected to a lot of young people in Pittsburg through our work in the studio or in rehearsals. But Derek went out of his way to become our friends outside of dance. We cheered on the Royals during long rehearsals, discussed stylish haircuts, and ran lines together. These non-dance related encounters are the moments we are grateful for now.

This photo was taken in the studio where Mollie and I choreographed Shrek. It's a tiny space in Mollie's basement. While choreographing, we imagined how well Derek could fill that space, and eventually an auditorium of thousands, with the energy he brought to the stage. It felt fitting to make Derek a permanent presence in our little room so that we are always reminded of how great an influence he was to our work.
— Maggie Stephens (PHS Class of 2007)
— Mollie Stephens (PHS Class of 2010)