Daniel Lewis
A Life of Dance
Daniel Lewis, celebrated choreographer, performer, director, and educator, will retire after serving 24 years as Dean of Dance at New World School of the Arts.
As a founding dean, Lewis has been pivotal in developing the highly acclaimed dance program and has nurtured generations of dancers and choreographers. To honor his legacy and achievements, the New World School of the Arts’ faculty is presenting a tribute concert, “Daniel Lewis – A Life of Dance,” on February 5.
The tribute, directed by Josée Garant, will feature performances from internationally acclaimed dancers and choreographers, including Gerri Houlihan from American Dance Festival; Michael Uthoff of Dance St. Louis; Jim May, Sokolow Theatre Dance Ensemble; Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Carla Maxwell of Limón Dance Company; along with alumni from NWSA.
Lewis graduated from New York’s High School of Performing Arts and attended The Julliard School, later serving on its faculty and as the assistant director of the Dance Department. He danced for the José Limón Dance Company for 12 years and is the author of Dance Technique of José Limón. Lewis joined New World School of the Arts as the founding Dean of Dance and through his hard work and dedication earned the admiration and respect of students and faculty alike.
“Danny Lewis has been a cornerstone in the development of New World School of the Arts since its inception;” stated Jeffrey Hodgson, Interim Provost; “(his) legacy will live on in the accomplishments of all the students who have passed through our studios and classrooms.”
Lewis has also received recognition on the national stage and in 1995 received the highest honor bestowed by the National Society of Arts and Letters, the “Gold Medal of Merit” for his lifetime achievements in Dance. He has also been recognized for his tremendous dedication to the South Florida community; in 2001 Lewis received The Florida Arts Recognition Award for his excellent leadership and outstanding contribution to the arts in Florida. In 2002 he received a “Lifetime Achievement award” and the “Nancy Smith Award” at the Florida Dance Festival for his leadership and dedication to dance in Florida.
