Kateryna Derechyna was born in Ukraine and is a seasoned professional, bringing over two decades of experience as a performer. She received her training at the Odessa Ballet Academy under Elvira Karavaeva and performed at the Odessa Ballet Opera House.

Derechyna earned top honors at the International Competition in Kyiv and the Youth America Grand Prix, where she was awarded a full scholarship to The Harid Conservatory. After graduating from Harid, she danced with Columbia Classical Ballet, Carolina Dance Theatre, and Grand Rapids Ballet Company before joining The Washington Ballet.

Derechyna’s extensive repertoire includes principal and soloist roles in a diverse range of ballets by renowned choreographers such as John Cranko, Septime Webre, Christopher Wheeldon, Trey McIntyre, Sir Frederick Ashton, Antony Tudor, Paul Taylor, George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Jiří Kylián, Jerome Robbins, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Jennifer Archibald, and Jessica Lang, among others.

Throughout her distinguished career, Derechyna has been featured in numerous publications, including Dance Magazine and Pointe Magazine. In addition to her work as a performer, she is deeply committed to sharing her knowledge and passion for ballet through teaching and coaching. Kateryna continues to inspire students throughout the Washington, D.C. area, where she also serves as a certified Pilates instructor.