Before the 2014-2015 Broadway season, most theatregoers had not heard of Christopher Wheeldon. The acclaimed choreographer came to New York City in 1993 at the age of 19 to join the New York City ballet, after training at the Royal Ballet School in London. Named a soloist in 1998, he quickly hung up his shoes in 2000 and dedicated his life to choreographing contemporary ballet.

He burst onto the theatrical stage with his adaptation of the Gene Kelly Hollywood classic, An American in Paris, last spring. It was his directorial debut.

The show earned 12 Tony nominations (including four wins—one for Wheeldon’s choreography) and brought ballet to Broadway in a way that hasn’t been seen for decades. With more than ten Broadway debuts in the cast, including lead actor Robert Fairchild—a principal dancer with NYCB since 2009—and Leanne Cope of the Royal Ballet since 2003, Wheeldon’s work pushes boundaries.

What inspires Wheeldon? How does he feel now about taking on Broadway? Where will his choreography take him (and dance) next? 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl unearths his story.

Tune in to 60 Minutes on CBS Sunday, April 3 at 7 PM/8 PM ET/PT.