Awarded a “Bessie” 2009 New York Dance and Performance Award

Produced in partnership with Dance/NYC, the NY Dance and Performance Awards have saluted outstanding and groundbreaking creative work by independent dance artists in NYC for 30 years. Known as “The Bessie” in honor of revered dance teacher Bessie Schoenberg, 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. A 40-member Selection Committee comprised of artists, presenters, producers, and writers choose nominees. All those working in the dance field are invited to join the NY Dance and Performance League—members participate in annual discussions on the direction of the awards and nominate members to serve on the Selection Committee.

“For masterfully invoking a collective past by exploring the raw intensity of childhood; for using text, movement, and song to uncover the falsity of the performance of identity; and for calling forth the true emotions beneath the surface, a 2009 New York Dance and Performance Award goes to Faye Driscoll’s 837 Venice Boulevard.”

837 Venice Boulevard
Choreographed by Faye Driscoll
Performers Nikki Zialcita, Michael Helland, Celia Rowlson-Hall
Lighting design by Amanda K. Ringger
Set design by Sara C. Walsh
Costume design by Normandy Sherwood