Skip to main content

About The Bessies

The New York Dance and Performance Awards, The Bessies have saluted outstanding and groundbreaking creative work by independent dance artists in NYC for 39 years. Known as “The Bessie” in honor of revered dance teacher Bessie Schönberg, the awards were established in 1984 by David White at Dance Theater Workshop. They recognize groundbreaking work in choreography, performance, music composition, visual design, legacy, and service to the field of dance.

A Selection Committee comprised of artists, presenters, producers, designers and writers choose nominees. All those working in the dance field are invited to join The Bessies Membership—members participate in annual discussions on the direction of the awards and nominate members to serve on the Selection Committee.

Bessies Mission

The mission of The Bessies is to recognize outstanding dance and groundbreaking and performance work performed in New York City, to gather the city’s dance-making communities, and to advocate for New York dance nationally and internationally.

Bessies Values

Guided in collaboration with the artists, leaders, and advocates of the dance and performance field, The New York Dance and Performance Awards, The Bessies, recognizes and celebrates the craft, and impact of artists and their supporters across the five boroughs of New York City. Valuing dance as a vehicle for change and a pivotal part of a vibrant society, The Bessies advocates for dance in NYC, nationally, and internationally. The Bessies uplifts the movement, experimentation, and risk-taking that empowers communities and creates pathways leading the field towards change.

FAQs

Q: How can I advocate for work to be considered by the Bessies Selection Committee?
A: You can send invitations and press releases to the committee directly. Members are listed here.

Q: How do I nominate someone, or myself, to serve on the Bessies Selection Committee?
A: Selection Committee members are nominated by The Bessies Membership. To join The Bessies Membership, please see above the question. Once you have joined The Bessies Membership, submit your nomination here for Selection Committee candidates.

Q: How do I join The Bessies Membership?
A: The Bessies Membership meets annually in the spring and fall for roundtable discussions, suggests new Selection Committee members, and more. We would love to know what is important to you and receive your feedback on how The Bessies might better serve artists and support the field. Contribute here in any amount to join!

Q: Where can I find an archive of past Bessie Award recipients?
A: Click here to see past Bessie Award recipients from 1984 through present. You’ll also be able to see the 2020 Canceled Work Archive, which features our documentation of all the projects and performances that were canceled as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic.