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 40 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 groundbreaking dance 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.
