Artist Spotlight: Cori Lewis
“I hope audiences walk away from the show with more empathy for their fellow humans.”
Hi! And, welcome to our artist spotlights ! This is a place where we will introduce the RudduR Dance artists and shine a light on them!
This time we are introducing you to Cori Lewis. Cori is a brand new dancer in the company! She comes with a wealth of experience, dancing for some of New York´s most prestigious companies. We are so pleased to have her join our ranks!
Why We’re Excited?
Cori is a phenomenal dancer whose talent continuously humbles us. We feel incredibly fortunate to have her in our company and look forward to growing alongside her.
Please enjoy our talk with Cori!
Full Interview with Cori
What inspired you to become a dancer?
Every supportive teacher I encountered as a young dancer inspired me to become a professional dancer. I was extremely shy growing up so to have experienced artists believe in me showed me that maybe this is something I can achieve. They believed in me so much that I started to believe in myself, and I’m so grateful for that.
What drew you to the WITNESS project, and what do you hope audiences take away from your performance?
I do not get to work in predominantly Black spaces very often, so I was drawn to the opportunity to work with a Black choreographer and contribute to the honest and beautiful piece that WITNESS is. I hope audiences walk away from the show with more empathy for their fellow humans, a wider view of the world, and the determination to not let history repeat itself.
In what ways do you feel the intersection of contemporary circus and ballet in WITNESS challenges traditional narratives in dance?
The intersection of contemporary circus and ballet in WITNESS expands what’s possible. There is more risk, excitement, and room for innovation that often leads to more impactful storytelling.
Can you share a moment during rehearsals for WITNESS that was particularly impactful for you?
A rehearsal moment that was particularly impactful for me was the first time we tried the opening of the piece. The image is two men pulling a ship of enslaved people to shore. The music is somber, you hear the chains of the enslaved hitting the floor, and the discomfort is visceral.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I’m most looking forward to getting to know the other dancers better! I’m new to the company so I’m excited to spend time with everyone and be inspired by them.
What does performing at this iconic Theater mean to you as an artist?
Performing here is a huge honor! This venue has uplifted Black culture for decades, and it is an amazing opportunity to be a small part of that legacy.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy cooking and baking, reading, exploring nature, and spending time with my friends.
Thank you for reading the first interview of this new series! If you are interested in getting to know Cori better, we invite you to explore her Instagram page and website bio to learn more about her inspiring work. If you feel compelled, please consider supporting Cori through our Adopt an Artist Program, which helps provide resources and opportunities for talented artists like her. Your support makes a significant difference in fostering creativity and supporting the arts community.
Again, thank you for joining us today! Keep an eye out for the next interview on our website, or subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page. Until next time!
If you can, please, donate to RudduR Dance and help us better the world through dance!