André Lewis

André Lewis

André Lewis, dancer, teacher, artistic director (born in Gatineau, Québec). André Lewis has spent more than 35 years of his dance career with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and Company (RWB). In 1975, he was accepted into the Professional Division at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School where he trained with master teacher David Moroni. Lewis joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 1979 while under the direction of Arnold Spohr, who became an important influence in his life. Lewis was promoted to soloist in 1982. He often danced with internationally renowned ballerina Evelyn Hart and was known for his strength as a partner. Lewis earned acclaim for his interpretation of Gunther in Neumeier's The Nutcracker, Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, and of Jamie Paul in the Canadian masterpiece The Ecstasy of Rita Joe. He retired from the RWB stage in 1990.

In 1996, André Lewis became artistic director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. As director, Lewis has weathered economically difficult times by keeping the company small, by commissioning crowd-favourites like Moulin Rouge--The Ballet (by Jorden Morris), and by cultivating Canadian talent.