Check out our interview with young multi-talented professional dancer, choreographer, award winning chef, actor, writer, creative director, editor, philanthropist, pianist and singer Sean Lew. Perhaps best known for his two seasons on the hit NBC competition series “World of Dance,” Sean is now adding director to his ongoing list of credits as he is set to premiere his first film II on February 26, in which he wrote, directed, choreographed, edited and stars. II depicts an unspoken narrative expressed through dance revolving around balance where two different concepts make you realize your worst moment to make your great moments greater.
Aside from dancing and acting, Sean is also active in the culinary world. He was titled “Chopped Junior” champion in 2016 and also had the pleasure of participating in the “Rachael Ray vs Guy Fieri Kids Cook-Off,” where he won over three main challenges. Sean enjoys cooking for his family, including his signature dish, Garlic Confit Chicken with Pomme de Puree.
Follow Sean @seanlew
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Hi Sean, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! My name is Sean Lew and I’m just a boy that loves to find new ways to use art as a way to make the world a better place. I try to stay as curious as possible for anything that comes my way, whether that’s my love for dance, acting, singing, music, cooking, or film making.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
sean. charles. lew.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My biggest supporter is definitely my mother. Biggest fan ever. No one can beat her. which is one of the trillion reasons why I love her more than anything. She’s been with me since day one, literally, and we’ve been through everything together as I grew to be the person I am today.
How’s a typical day in your life?
I wake up with some green tea, have a lil breakfast. then try to get some yoga in. Then go to my desk to answer any emails or calls that I have to make. Then I normally have a project that I have to edit, so I get on that after. When I feel good about where I’m at, I move on with doing something that would challenge me creatively. So either I would probably train and dance for an hour, or try to make some music, or even just edit some more haha. It REALLY depends on the day. then normally during the night, I make some dinner and since quarantine happened, me and my family play cards EVERY night.
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing around the time I was able to stand on my feet.
Did you take dancing classes?
Indeed I did, at the age of 4.
How was it to be part of “World of Dance?” That’s amazing!!
Being on World of Dance was really a blessing in disguise. I say this every time and it’s so cheesy but it’s so true. Getting to experience the entire journey on World of Dance with my partner, Kaycee, was better than any award that can ever exist on any show. The people I met, the amount of work put into every piece, the nights me and Kaycee stayed up on, the memories we’ve had, was truly one of the best highlights of my entire life and will remain that way forever.
How did you get on the show?
I was in the first season in the beginning with a large group. Then when we got cut, I told myself that it was a fun experience and I would leave it at that. Then when the second season got picked up, I had a lot of producers approach me to go on the show as a soloist. There was no way I had that much trust in myself to go on that show and compete as a soloist. So that’s when I called Kaycee to ask her if she would be down to go through this competition together as an act. Before you know it, it went from one suuuper awkward FaceTime call, to some of the best months I’ve ever experienced.
Any advice for aspiring dancers?
Anyone who wants to pursue dance as a career, you must continue with a genuine passion. The best way to see yourself with dance, is by doing it because you purely love it. It sounds so cliche but doing anything out of love, gives you longevity in your life and purpose. Otherwise, you may end up wasting your own time. Go at it with 100% commitment and be sure of yourself that you want to do it forever. Hold onto that feeling that you got when you first fell in love with dance. or with even anything.
What do you love most about dancing?
There is literally no reason to not love dancing. Dance has brought me some of the most important people in my life, introduced me to different cultures, given me infinite chances to inspire all different kinds of people around the world.
What type of dance do you like best?
I don’t really have a favorite type of dance anymore. I just see dance as a vehicle for certain emotions I have, for certain songs I’m inspired by, for certain messages that need to be said. When my body moves, that’s just my favorite type of dancing.
What has been the best thing that has happened to you since being on the show?
The best thing that has happened to me since the show aired was being asked to choreograph and/or direct other projects for other people and artists.
How does it feel to be really famous and be recognized on the streets?
Any time someone recognizes me, I always have the same reaction. I start with a bit of confusion, then overfill with excitement because to me, the best feeling is getting to meet someone who supports me, in person. But being at the place that I am now, having fame or being “well known” has never been my driving point. it’s always been the art in itself that keeps me motivated to keep moving forward.
Now please tell us about “Chopped Junior” and how was the feeling to win it at a very young age?
Well, “Chopped Junior” was really a reunion from the first cooking show I was on “Rachael vs. Guy Kids Cook Off” they invited two people from the first season of that show and two people from the second season. I was honestly expecting to get cut in the first round but the only thing that went through my head the literal entire time I was there, was “I have to use that ice cream machine.” And once I got to the dessert round, I was like, I don’t need to win anymore. I used the ice cream machine and now I’m satisfied. But when they announced that I won, I was in so much shock and it took me literally days to process because I truly didn’t feel like I deserved the title compared to all the other chefs on that episode.
What was the most challenging part of the competition?
Everything about that competition was so challenging. The time limit, the other talented chefs, the weird random ingredients, the pressure from the judges’ stares haha.
Have you ever been asked to cook/bake anything crazy or very different?
Haha I don’t think so. I just experiment with different ingredients and try to make the most out of it. I try to make any of my friends’ birthday cakes as crazy as possible tho haha.
If you could prepare only one meal, what would it be?
If it was for myself, I would probably say some seared salmon with some mushrooms, spinach, and quinoa with a little bone broth or a bowl from a place called sweetgreen and/or dig in. hehe. If it was for someone else, probably a signature dish of mine called “Garlic Confit Chicken Leg with Truffle pomme purée, and sautéed greens.”
Can you recommend our readers some recipes for us, yes the amateur chefs? 🙂
hahaha a dish that I would probably recommend for an amateur chef would be a frittata perhaps. I love frittatas. Just get your favorite ingredients, lay them out on your hot nonstick pan, pour your whisked eggs into the pan and put it right into the oven at 450 degrees. then when you shake the pan a little and it looks firm, pull it out and it should slip right out. Cut it into triangles and serve with some salsa and flaky salt.
What is next for Sean Lew in 2020?
What is next for Sean Lew? I don’t even know haha. Someone once told me that once you finish putting out your art, you just keep creating more and don’t wait for anyone. So when my film “II” comes out, I wish nothing but for anybody who watches it, to feel inspired and a sense of clarity in their curiosities. Also i’m hoping to branch out into more acting in the future and maybe a little singing. Who knows? hahaha
What project is still on your bucket list?
Definitely having a big role in a film or movie in the future but a boy can dream haha.
Best advice ever given?
Where there is love, there is life
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My camera, my laptop, my phone
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Give me any Jon Bellion song. Do it.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I think as of now, I would love to meet Jon Chu. He’s been someone who I’ve looked up to for a while based on his ability to storytelling and incredible direction for authentic emotions in his films.
Name one your strengths?
I’m so good at overthinking. It’s crazy how good I am at it.
How do you spend your spare time?
I try to either cook for my family or spend some time trying to figure out a new project.
What hidden talents do you have?
I don’t know about any “hidden” talents but I can eat 6 party sized bags of popcorn in one setting. Done it before and will do it again.
Where would you like your career to be in the next 5 years?
I’m hoping that I can build a platform big enough where the things I create can impact millions and millions for the better, whether that’s dancing or acting or directing or even cooking.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
A perfect Sunday to me would start with a nice hike in the morning with friends or family. then a big ol’ brunch. Then maybe go to the flea market to look at some stuff. Then come back, play some cards, watch a nice lil movie.
Do you support any charities?
I’ve been a part of this charity called “IDance4acure” for a few years and their concept of hosting classes and performances to raise money for a very important cause, is really just beautiful. I’m so honored to get to be a part of it and honestly, if I get any chance to work with a charity, I would try to do anything in my power to help out in any way I can.
What do you think of Social Media as you are a huge influencer in this category?
Social media is so crucial for where we share our art and our lives but should never be the reason why we make our art. That’s just my opinion and it’s very different for other people but I truly believe that social media should be a space of exchange and source of inspiration but because it plays such a huge part in our lives, it can become a very dangerous platform in some situations. We forget that our whole lives aren’t always on social media so we can never just jump to conclusions or judge others. Everyone fights their own battles but that doesn’t mean they have to share about them.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram is @seanlew
Twitter is @seanlew1125
YouTube is Sean Lew
Facebook is Sean Lew
Outdoor Photo credit: Dylan Shepherd.
Headshot: Sergio Garcia
