This episode of State of the Arts NYC spotlights the Bessie Awards with Lucy Sexton, Executive Director and Heather Robles, Managing Director. Produced in partnership with Dance/NYC, the NY Dance and Performance Awards, The Bessies have saluted outstanding and groundbreaking creative work by independent dance artists in NYC for 33 years. Known as “The Bessie” in honor of revered dance teacher Bessie Schönberg, the awards were established in 1983 by David White at Dance Theater Workshop. They recognize exceptional work in choreography, performance, music composition and visual design.

We talk about their new developments and partnerships to make dance more accessible to the public not just in NYC but beyond. The Bessies will be held in October and is free to the general public.