2026 College Classic Master Class: Contemporary with Derek Piquette

Derek Piquette is a director, choreographer, dancer, and educator with extensive experience across film, television, live performance, and collegiate dance. As the founder of Prodigy: The Dance Team Convention, Derek created a nationally recognized platform designed to bridge the gap between studio training and collegiate dance team opportunities.

Derek has worked with over 500 top studios and college dance teams worldwide, and currently collaborates with collegiate programs including The University of Minnesota, The Ohio State University, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, Rutgers University, Texas A&M University, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Hofstra University, The University of Alabama, and Doane University.

His professional credits span major platforms and productions including So You Think You Can Dance, World of Dance, Apple TV+’s Schmigadoon!, Netflix’s Julie and the Phantoms and Work It, Fox, NBC, Amazon, and Cirque du Soleil, where he toured internationally as the main character in KOOZA. Derek served as an Assistant Choreographer on Apple TV+’s Schmigadoon!, which received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography, and has also performed with the Radio City Rockettes.

Derek’s choreography and creative direction credits include Jennifer Lopez’s It’s My Party Tour, Disney, New York Fashion Week, and work with multi-platinum recording artist Rêve. Passionate about mentorship and education, Derek has taught and choreographed internationally across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, bringing real-world industry experience into the classroom.

Driven by intentional training and artistic growth, Derek is committed to creating clear pathways for dancers to confidently take the next step in their careers.