Derick Joseph Lasalla

Our much beloved Derick LaSalla passed away at home from pancreatic cancer on the morning of May 12th, 2018, surrounded by his family and friends. He was 57.

Originally from southern California, Derick started dancing at an early age and received a scholarship to Joe Tremaine Dance Academy. His talent immediately recognized, Derick began his professional dance career with jobs that took him around the world. No matter where he performed his charisma onstage was undeniable. Derick's creativity spanned everything from creating the character of the Fork in Beauty and the Beast before it went to Broadway, to learning Japanese while working on tour in Japan.

Once Derick mastered performing, he went on to directing and staging shows in Los Angeles, Greece, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and New York. He had an incredible eye for talent and was an advocate for those whom he believed to be special. If he cast you in something, or worked with you in any of his other professional endeavors, you were on his radar for life. And, generally, he would not only fully embrace you, but his love would extend out to your family and friends. All of who truly delighted in knowing him.

A kind, funny, and intensely generous man, his tenacity would ensure any dream you had would become a reality. His ability to make those dreams come true had an inspirational ripple effect to so many others along the way. Never satisfied with second best, or less than perfect, he would stay with every project until he was thoroughly confident it was completed to his satisfaction, which was an extremely high bar. A lesson so many would take away in having known and worked with him.

Derick provided a sense of calm and stability in the lives of people lucky enough to call him a friend. Those who worked with him knew in each job he would compel his team to do their best and be more amazing than they could ever imagine.
His philanthropic endeavors were many, stretching from the Homeless Youth Program here at home to financing children in impoverished countries throughout the world.

He is survived by his mother Gina Dodson, his brother Richard E. Jones, nephew Jaden Jones, uncle John Oliver, first cousin Carlos Castle, step-mother Kathy LaSalla, and the many other loving aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews in the family.

On Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 there will be a celebration of Derick's life from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Renberg Theatre 1125 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028, where he had directed many shows and was dear friends with the Artistic Director, Jon Imparato.

Derick requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Los Angeles LGBT Center's Homeless Youth Program. Checks should be made out to the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." ― Albert Einstein