Daniel Lewis, founder and dean of the dance division in Miami’s New World School of the Arts (NWSA), received his third Lifetime Achievement Award. Bestowed by the National Dance Education Organization, in Tucson, Arizona, this distinguished accolade recognizes Lewis’ significant contribution in the field of dance during a career that spans for more than four decades.
“Receiving an award from your peers has to be one of the most rewarding honors you can get. Although my focus is on dance, I am committed to making sure every child has a chance to find his or her voice in the art. I have spent over 44 years in dance education and have seen many changes. Being recognized as someone who has taken part in children being successful is the best thank you one can receive,” said Lewis upon his acceptance.
Click on this link to view Lewis’ award acceptance video
Internationally recognized as a dancer, educator, choreographer, and author, Daniel was integral in the development of New World School of the Arts’ eight-year professional dance program which began in 1987, bringing more than thirty years of experience in the field, and an unparalleled awareness of modern dance to South Florida. In 1988 Lewis formed Miami Dance Futures, which produced the successful Miami Balanchine Conference, the Dance history Scholars’ Conference, the National High School dance Festival and the Modern Dance Sampler.
Daniel Lewis graduated from New York’s High School of Performing Arts in 1962 and from Julliard School in 1967, where he served on its faculty from 1967-87. From 1984-1987 Lewis was the Assistant Director of the dance department at Julliard School. He was adjunct professor at New York University and professor at Amherst College for six years while his company was in residence there.
From 1962-74, Lewis danced with the José Limón Dance Company where he originated roles in numerous choreographies including The Waldstein Sonata, Limon’s last work. Widely recognized for his association with the work of José Limón, Lewis was the choreographer’s assistant for seven years, staging works for such companies as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Royal Danish and Royal Swedish Ballet, The London School of Contemporary dance, American Ballet Theater, and Julliard School, among others. Upon Limon’s death, Lewis became acting artistic director for the Limon Company as well as founding director of the Limon Institute. During that time, Lewis was also founder of Daniel Lewis Dance, a repertory dance company. Along with numerous articles on dance education, Lewis is also author of The Illustrated Dance Technique of José Limón (Harper & Row, 1984), a book that has been translated in German, Spanish, and Japanese.
Daniel Lewis’ choreographies include works commissioned by the National Endowments for the Arts, the New York State Council in the Arts, Dallas Civic Opera, American Opera Center at Lincoln Center, Amherst College, and the Julliard School, among others. Other accolades for Daniel Lewis include the gold medal for Lifelong Achievement in Dance, awarded by the National Society of Arts and Letters in 1990, and The Florida Arts Recognition Award in 2001 recognizing his outstanding initiatives, leadership and excellence in supporting the arts in Florida. In 2002 Lewis received two awards including Honorary Chairman for "dance4life", a Lifetime Achievement award, and was presented with the Nancy Smith Award for consistently demonstrating outstanding leadership and excellence in dance in Florida.
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