The Bessies, formally known as the New York Dance and Performance Awards, honor individuals in the fields of choreography, design and performance. They were established in 1983 and are named for the dance educator and mentor Bessie Schonberg.

Modern dance choreographer Trisha Brown will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for "the influence of both her distinctive movement style and inquisitive choreographic drive" throughout the world of dance. Brown's award is the first of what will become an annual honor for choreographers.

Also at the ceremony, 14 other awards will be handed out, and students from the Harlem School of the Arts will perform.

Neuwirth won the Tony Award in 1986 for her performance in Sweet Charity and again in 1997 for her performance in Chicago. She has also been seen on Broadway in A Chorus Line, Dancin', Little Me, Damn Yankees, Fosse and The Addams Family.

The Apollo Theatre is located at 253 West 125th Street. For more information and tickets, visit www.apollotheater.org.