german born american choreographer and dance teacher. she emigrated to study at university of oregon in 1925 and martha hill became her mentor. she performed in the martha graham company when a knee injury stopped her. she earned a ba art at bennington in 1933. became the dance director at sarah lawrence until 1975. the 'bessie' is a dance award honoring her teaching. i was her student at dtw. 1906-1997 new york.

black conté pencil drawing
20x30 inch (51x76 cm) approx.