New York’s Dance And Performance Awards Have Paused For What’s Being Called A Restructure

The Bessies Announce 2024 Ceremony Pause, Inaugural Board of Directors, and Organizational Restructuring

Although in-person events will be paused, the dance and performance awards’ selection and nomination process will continue throughout the year.

The Bessie Awards, also known as The New York Dance and Performance Awards, have announced plans for organizational restructuring and a pause on in-person programming for 2024. 

In order to focus on fundraising and restructuring efforts, The Bessies will not hold its customary annual awards ceremony, party, or press conference. Although in-person events will be paused, the awards’ selection and nomination process will continue. Artists nominated for 2024 Bessies will be announced publicly next year alongside the 2025 nominees. 

The organization will also establish its inaugural board of directors this year. Members include Dave Archuletta, Aziza A. Bowser, Esq., and Charles Vincent Burwell. Together, board members will work to pursue independent non-profit status for the awards, expand fundraising practices, and build partnerships with similar organizations.

“We are thrilled to be in this stage of development, that our work can continue long into the future,” Bessies Executive Director Heather Robles said in a statement. “This is the right time, these are the right actions, and the right folks supporting the next phase of The Bessies.”

“This is a time of evolution for The Bessie Awards,” added Aziza A. Bowser, Esq., president of the Bessies Board of Directors. “As we build a sustainable future for the organization, we are excited to incorporate as a non-profit organization, and envision a restructuring that meets the needs of the community.”

The Bessies will host virtual roundtable discussions for the community to learn more about the restructuring and provide feedback. Roundtables will be held September 12 from 5:30-6:30 PM ET, September 18 from 6-7 PM ET, and September 19 from 5:30-6:30 PM ET. To attend, community members should email Bessies Associate Manager Dalia Engelberg at [email protected].

Named after revered dance teacher Bessie Schönberg, The Bessies were established in 1984 by David White at Dance Theater Workshop. The New York Dance and Performance Awards recognize groundbreaking work in choreography, performance, music composition, visual design, legacy, and service to the field of dance in New York City. 

Visit Bessies.org for more information.