Derek ‘Derty Dee’ Rice
Dancer
Derek started dancing at the age of 15 as a Break-dancer, learning all his first steps in a friend’s basement. He quickly fell in love with the art and it became a big part of his life. Through Bboying, he was able to open up to various styles of street dance which he incorporated into his style. At the age of 18, he started working with a long-time friend, Steve Bolton, at the 8 Count Dance Complex, who became his mentor, instructor and choreographer. Since then, he quickly evolved as a dancer from all the training he was getting from Steve and Blueprint. In 2007, Derek officially joined Blueprint, being one of the first male dancers in the group and was able to take part in various contracts, award shows and galas, and working with numerous artists. As well that year, he was a dancer/choreographer of the Canadian east cost Hip Hop Champions that allowed them to represent Canada at the World Hip Hop Dance Championships that same year. Being part of Blueprint and working with Steve Bolton for so many years, Derek’s growth and work ethic has improved drastically and he has truly found a home for dance within 8 Count and the family members of Blueprint.
