Derrick Allen
Read the Q&A Interview with Derrick Allen…here
Read some of the things that the leading Ladies in Hustle say about Derrick:
“Witnessing a person’s spirit take flight on the dance floor and sharing in that moment is life’s special gifts. I consider myself fortunate to have shared part of my dance history with a man who’s made an impact on a dance community which we both love and support. My experience working with Derrick over the past few years have been memorable & rewarding in many ways. Derrick has a very unique Ballroom “Astaire” style of Hustle that no one to date has been able to duplicate in look or feel. He has created his own identity through his interpretation of the music that only a naturally gifted dancer can achieve.
What you see is what you get with Derrick; he has a very pleasant & approachable disposition, helpful & considerate. He has always treated me and others with great kindness & respect. Our partnership was a very harmonious collaboration of creative thought & movement. Once Derrick puts his mind to something there is no stopping him. His enthusiasm is a true inspiration to me & many others who’s watched his smiling face on the dance floor.
Derrick is part of the elite category of Hustle dancers who’s styles shaped the dance of today and is a part of our Historic Hustle History. We can all look back with great admiration to the ground breakers of the past..it’s now up to the next generation of dancer’s to take the lead. Derrick, myself and many others Hustle veterans are there to support and guide whenever needed. It’s definitely worth the journey…”
Donna De Simone, Hustle Professional
“What comes to mind about Derrick is that he is an ageless dancer. He dances today like he did 30 years ago. Derrick is reminiscent of a Ballroom dancer as just floats on air. Derrick is well known for his airiness and traveling patterns on the dance floor. He is fun and charismatic on the dancefloor and he is always, always smiling while dancing. His personality is effervescent and it shows in his dancing; we call him Twinklefeet!”
Diane Nardone, Hustle Professional & World Hustle Dance Championships
“I have known Derrick for many years. He is such a charismatic dancer with a smile that lights up the room. His positive energy, fantastic lead and great attitude are just a few of his many attributes. For as long as I have know Derrick, he has always been such a gentleman! What I admire most about him is that he is a wonderful father and husband. Derrick is quite a special person and I feel proud to call him my friend!”
Lisa Nunziella Hustle Professional
Derrick’s dancing career goes back more than 30 years where he won dozens of dance contests. He was the first to integrate and popularize ballroom styling within the Hustle and is known for his uniquely smooth Fred Astaire-like dance style and sophisticated floor work.
He has performed in the casinos of the Caribbean, Westbury Music Fair and Madison Square Garden. He’s also done promotional work for IBM, Dr. Pepper, Macy’s, Bacardi, and danced with the Ralph Lew Dance Company for 3 years. He has taught privately and for the NY Hustle Dance Studios with Jeff and Donna Shelly. He was the professional dance instructor for the 2008 NYS High School Theater Conference where he introduced over 600 High School students to both the Hustle and Salsa.
His most notable pass of the winnings during the height of hustle dance craze include: the $5,000 Fantasy Island Hustle Championship, the $15,000 Playboy International Dance Contest, and the World’s Largest Dance Contest held in Long Island, NY at Cherries Disco where he won 2 cherry red Corvettes.
Derrick has returned to the dance scene after over a 25-year absence as an adjudicator and as a competitor. As a competitor he took 1st place at the 2005 World Hustle Dance Championships in the Professional Just Hustle with his partner Donna De Simone and 1st Place in the 2006 Hustle Congress Pro Open Theater Arts, again with his partner Donna De Simone.
He has been an invited judge to the 2005, 2006 and 2007 World Hustle Championships, the 2007 NY Hustle Congress as well as the 2007 and 2008 International Hustle and Salsa Championships (IHSC) in Miami Florida. Derrick was voted Favorite Male Hustle Dancer in 2005 and 2006 by the readers of Ron Bess’s DanceTalk.
In 2007, the readers of Ron Bess DanceTalk also honored him with the All-Time Favorite Dancer award. Derrick was the 2007 recipient of the Augie and Margo Rodriguez Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented at the International Hustle and Salsa Championships (IHSC) held in Miami. This is awarded to exemplary and inspirational performers within the dance community and in recognition for his contributions to the world of Hustle and social dancing.
He is currently the successful owner of Home Financial Services, a multi-state mortgage company located in Long Island, New York. Although his business takes a lot of his time, Derrick tries whenever possible to give back to a dance that allowed him to do so much. He is frequently asked to judge and does so whenever his hectic schedule permits. Derrick feels he’s been blessed in many ways throughout his life and is most thankful for his 20-year marriage to his wife Lynnette and his two beautiful daughters Teresa and Raquel.
