Terence Lewis

Terence Lewis – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Terence Lewis (born 10 April 1975) is a celebrated Indian dancer, choreographer, and mentor. Explore his life, career, philosophy, memorable quotes, and timeless lessons.

Introduction

Terence Lewis is one of India’s most iconic and influential dancers, choreographers, and television personalities. Born on 10 April 1975, he has carved a niche in Indian dance by blending classical, contemporary, and global styles. Over the years, he has not only made his mark through choreography in Bollywood and theatre but also nurtured new talent as a judge and mentor on dance reality shows. His journey—from a passionate child in Mumbai to a renowned global dance figure—serves as inspiration for countless aspiring artists today.

Early Life and Family

Terence Lewis was born into a Mangalorean Catholic family in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on 10 April 1975. He was the youngest of eight siblings (some sources say seven elder siblings) and grew up surrounded by a large, supportive family. His father, Xavier Lewis, worked in a manufacturing firm, and his mother, Teresa Lewis, was a seamstress.

Growing up in a middle-class household, Terence’s childhood was marked by strong values of discipline, perseverance, and humility. The challenges of making ends meet instilled in him a fierce determination to pursue his passion for dance despite societal and economic pressures.

Youth and Education

From a very young age, Terence was drawn to performance arts. He participated in school plays, singing, and dance competitions. He studied at St. Theresa’s Boys High School in Mumbai, and later attended St. Xavier’s College. Before fully committing to dance, he pursued a degree in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management (Dadar) in Mumbai.

His formal dance training came later. Terence went to New York, where he trained in jazz, ballet, and contemporary forms at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance. This exposure to world-class training shaped his artistic sensibilities and inspired him to integrate global techniques into his choreography back in India.

Career and Achievements

Early Career & Breakthroughs

Upon returning to India, Terence Lewis began his professional dance career by teaching in local studios and choreographing for small-scale shows and events. His first big break was in Bollywood: he contributed to the choreography of the film Lagaan (2001), for which he, along with other choreographers, won the American Choreography Award in 2002.

He later worked on Jhankaar Beats (2003), Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), and several other films, stage productions, and music videos. His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between commercial Bollywood projects and more experimental dance-theatre works.

Reality TV & Mentorship

Terence became a household name through his role as judge/mentor on dance reality shows. He judged Dance India Dance during its first three seasons. He was also on the judging panel for Nach Baliye between 2012 and 2017. In more recent years, he has been associated with India’s Best Dancer (2020–2024) as a judge.

He also hosted The Great India Dance Off (2020) — an interactive dance show on Flipkart Video.

Records, Awards & Distinctions

• Terence Lewis has broken multiple Guinness World Records:
  • Largest Bollywood Dance Class (2010)
  • Largest Indo-Contemporary Dance Class (2011)
  • In 2012, he again set a record for the largest Bollywood dance class, breaking his own record.

• In 2018, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Performing Arts & Dance by National American University (in alliance with National Institutes of Education & Research, Asia).

• His dance company, Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company (TLCDC), is recognized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). In 2022, the company was selected to represent India on a European tour as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative.

• In May 2024, he and collaborator Mahrukh Dumasia premiered a contemporary dance work at Aviva Studios, Factory International, Manchester, to critical acclaim.

Through his academy, workshops, and global outreach, Terence has influenced countless dancers internationally.

Historical Milestones & Context

Terence Lewis’s career has unfolded during a period when Indian dance has become more visible on global stages and in popular media. His blending of Hollywood-style choreography and Indian aesthetics exemplifies the evolution of dance in India over the past two decades. As reality dance shows became mainstream in India, his presence on shows like Dance India Dance helped bring contemporary and fusion dance forms to mass audiences, inspiring a generation of dancers to explore beyond classical or Bollywood styles.

His participation in cultural diplomacy (e.g. ICCR tours) and the staging of modern dance works abroad reflect India’s growing role in global performing arts. Moreover, his breaking of world records and receipt of honorary accolades position him as a symbolic figure in the rise of Indian contemporary dance.

Legacy and Influence

Terence Lewis’s legacy lies in multiple spheres:

• Bridging styles: He has played a key role in integrating Western techniques (jazz, ballet, contemporary) with Indian dance sensibilities, thereby expanding the expressive vocabulary of Indian dance.

• Mentorship & training: Through his dance academy, workshops, and reality TV appearances, he has nurtured and mentored many successful dancers.

• Mainstreaming contemporary dance: He helped bring “indocontemporary” styles into popular consciousness in India.

• Cultural ambassador: Representing Indian dance abroad, setting records, and earning international recognition amplify India’s presence in the global dance world.

His influence continues through the next generation of choreographers and dancers who acknowledge his methods, teaching, and style as formative.

Personality and Talents

Terence is known not just for technique but also for his emotional intelligence, humility, and dedication to continual growth. He often speaks of himself as a perpetual student:

“I was, am and always will be a student … the day I stop learning, is the day I die.”

His interests extend beyond dance: he sings, plays piano, and is an avid film buff. He maintains discipline in his lifestyle; for example, he practices low-fat dieting and regular gym workouts, seeing dance as both art and physical discipline.

He also holds strong convictions about purpose in art:

“I want to become actor not because I want money and become more famous. … It is not that I want stardom, I want to contribute to good cinema.”

He is reflective and socially aware:

“After working for TV, you realise that the majority of the population still wonders where their next meal is coming from.”

Through these words, one sees a thinker who links art with empathy.

Famous Quotes of Terence Lewis

Here is a curated selection of memorable quotes by Terence Lewis:

• “I was, am and always will be a student … the day I stop learning, is the day I die.”

• “I think people watch TV to escape from life.”

• “When I started off with ‘Dance India Dance,’ even the TV show people thought it won’t be accepted. But with the talent that the show received, I was able to personally tutor dancers to amalgamate contemporary dance moves on Bollywood tracks.”

• “I love to go to the gym for a couple of hours daily. … dance helps me unwind, de-stress, and introspect.”

• “Food does not rank high on my list. I eat to live, and I’m very particular about my diet. It’s strictly low fat diet for me.”

• “I want to be part of movies that have important and interesting subjects but are not depressing and are rather satirical and funny.”

These quotes reflect his philosophies on learning, art, discipline, purpose, and life.

Lessons from Terence Lewis

1. Always remain a student
   Even after achieving success, Terence’s declaration—“I will always be a student”—is a reminder that growth never ends.

2. Blend discipline with creativity
   He combines rigorous training (gym, diet, studio hours) with expressive, emotive choreography. Talent needs structure.

3. Purpose over fame
   His drive is not for stardom but for meaningful contribution to art and culture.

4. Mentorship matters
   He invests deeply in upcoming dancers, passing on not only technique but wisdom and values.

5. Courage to innovate
   In a film industry sometimes resistant to change, he dared to introduce new forms, fusions, and ideas. His success shows the reward in boldness.

6. Humility & service
   Despite acclaim, he frequently emphasizes gratitude, empathy, and connecting art with humanity.

Conclusion

From a spirited child in Mumbai to a global dance icon, Terence Lewis embodies the power of passion, dedication, and heart. His impact on Indian dance—through choreography, mentorship, innovation, and teaching—is deep and continuing. His words, his artistry, and his life choices teach us not only about dance, but about growth, purpose, and humility.

If you’d like, I can also compile a more exhaustive anthology of his quotes, or analyze stylistic patterns in his choreography.