Daniel Lewis is a known Choreographer, dancer and educator. He’s still going at age 79 and currently is a dance teacher  and the Dean of Dance at the New World School of the Arts. But his past tells us how he sky-rocketed into success. I Kaylee Hancock, journalist of Blake High School interviewed Daniel Lewis, just last week

Dr. Daniel Lewis, internationally recognized dancer, teacher, choreographer and author, joined New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida, in 1987, as founding Dean of Dance. Lewis was born in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. As a child, he was diagnosed with a foot condition, so the same doctor “prescribed” tap dancing to prevent the condition from worsening.

After years of following his doctor’s recommendations, he was hooked onto the creative outlet that dancing provided. Unfortunately as high school rolled around, Lewis was considered an outsider, mainly because of his gender and his peculiar interest in dance. But no matter what other people did or said to him, he still strived to work in the dance industry.

After Lewis graduated high school, he enrolled at Juilliard, a prestigious university surrounding the arts, mainly known for its dance program and other entertainment focuses. At this early point in his life, Lewis got a glimpse at the vast opportunities for dancers once they leave high school, whether they enroll in college or not.

A career path often taken by dancers once they leave the world of education is the entertainment business. Cruise ships, Broadway, modeling, and foreign touring are some of the most sought-after jobs for dancers. 

Lewis talked about the importance of making sure that younger dancers, both in high school and in higher education, know how many options they have when choosing a career regarding their previous endeavors.