Derek Dunn began his professional career with Houston Ballet in 2012 and was promoted to Soloist in 2016. During his time in Houston, Dunn performed works by world renowned choreographers such as William Forsythe, Hans van Manan, Jiří Kylián, Edwaard Liang, and Stanton Welch. In 2017, Dunn joined Boston Ballet as a Soloist and was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2018. Since joining Boston Ballet, Derek has expanded his repertoire to include roles such as Prince Siegfried in Mikko Nisinnen’s «Swan Lake», Albrecht in Larissa Ponomorenko’s «Giselle», Frantz in George Balanchine’s «Coppelia», The Son in George Balanchine’s «Prodigal Son», and Mercutio in John Cranko’s «Romeo and Juliet». He has also worked with contemporary and neo-classical choreographers such as Jorma Elo, Wayne McGregor, Justin Peck, and Juliano Nunes.

At the Origen Festival he danced in the ballet «Lacuna» (2022) by Juliano Nunes.