Dayton arts group wins 'Oscar' of dance world

A local arts group has just won the “Oscar” award of its world.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is a co-recipient of a prestigious NYC Bessie Award.  

Established in 1983 and named in honor of  New York dance teacher Bessie Shoenberg, the award salutes outstanding and creative works in choreography, performance, music composition and visual design by independent NYC dance artists.

DCDC was selected in the category of outstanding revival for its performances of "Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder" at Lincoln Center in Manhattan, which we told you about in March.

>> Dayton group gets big shoutout in New York Times

Its victory was announced just yesterday.

DCDC shares the win with Rainbow creator Donald McKayle and Paul Taylor's American Modern Dance of NYC.

As Paul Taylor's guest artist, DCDC performed McKayle's "Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder" three times and received multiple ovations and curtain calls.

DCDC was hand picked for the performance.

"The Bessie is the most prestigious award for dance performance in the country – you can only receive it for a performance in NYC.  There is so much dance in that city that to be noticed out of all those performances is glorious," DCDC associate director Crystal Michelle said.

DCDC is not a stranger to the Bessies.

Veteran DCDC dancer Sheri "Sparkle" Williams won a Bessie in the Dance and Performance category in 2002.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s 13th annual Soulstice fundraiser, “Ladies Sing the Blues,” was held Saturday, May 14. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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