Betty Weinberger in NPAFE’s words…

Photo Credit: Ted Ely

…While we are privileged to count so many truly talented New York City performing artists among the NPAFE family, it is always so special for us when we meet yet another exceptional creator for the first time.

…So it was with Betty Weinberger when we discovered her “Purple Hat” video on Instagram. Directed and choreographed by Weinberger herself and performed by eight magical female dancers, the movements, choreography, filming, and lighting so much a part of this work of genius enchanted us for its originality and professionalism.

Photo Credit: Betty Weinberger with Evan Kasprzak at the Joyce Theater

…So we reached out to Weinberger to get her own take on the role she plays in the New York City dance community. We also let her know what we thought, which in a word is that she is quite a special creative wunderkind and a sure millionaire if she can only find a way to bottle and sell her seemingly endless enthusiasm for and positive outlook on all things dance.

…Actually, the way we see it, she may not need to bottle that inner spirit of hers to make her mark. Originally from Arizona, Weinberger dreamt from a very early age about moving to New York City, all the time drawn to the performing stage and screen, and did it after turning 21 and earning her BS in Entertainment Business from Oklahoma City University.

Photo Credit: Rehearsing “Freddie Falls in Love”

…Her achievements since then? For starters, Weinberger has earned broad and deep recognition as choreographer, performer, actor, and a teaching assistant, including co-starring NBC`s “Law and Order” Amazon Prime`s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, and the newest global ad campaign for Dunkin` Donuts choreographed by Soraya Lundy.

Photo Credit: Betty Weinberger as an Associate Choreographer for the Six: The Musical

…Weinberger’s standing as choreographer also includes collaborations with Emmy-award winner AI Blackstone, Tony-nominee Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, and Tony-award winner Andy Blankenbeuhler. In those stints and in all of her work, Weinberger incorporates her own one-of-a-kind creative style when directing and choreographing performances and short films. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that Weinberger was chosen to be associate choreographer for the Broadway hit show SiX: The Musical.

…Betty believes that dance is transformative and healing, whether you are performer or audience. So do we. In everything that she creates and then executes, Weinberger employs a fundamental principle: sharing stories through movements inspired by personal life experiences.

Photo Credit: Betty Weinberger at Arts On Site during her “20-Something” performance

…For example, in September 2023, she produced, directed and choreographed her own show “20-Something”, dedicated to the experience of being young, defining one’s purpose, the pleasure and stress of meeting new people, making mistakes along the way, and the perils and pleasures of love. “20-Something” was presented at one of our favorite Manhattan venues, Arts on Site in the East Village, and featured 14 phenomenal dancers-actors who share the same passion for dance as does Weinberger. No wonder it was a sell-out!

…So then, what is our takeaway impression of Betty Weinberger? Total fascination. With her inner drive. With her rainbow diversity of talent. With her focus on producing more shows and creating a dance company. With her determination to produce a storytelling series through movements and dance. And especially with her passion for mentoring other dancers eager to make their way in the complex and too-often-unforgiving world of dance in New York City.

• Learn more about Betty Weinberger on her website, Instagram, YouTube, and in her CV
• Follow these links to find out more about NPAFE, AAlchemy, and AAlchemy Online’s immersive dance videos.