choose two or three on which to focus. about one page per work, and your critique must have an introduction with your contextual explanation and an overview of the show, and a conclusion. Please follow the four steps to critiquing a dance: Description, Interpretation, Evaluation, and Contextual Explanation.

Preparation:

As you watch a dance try to do so without preconceptions of what you think should happen, allow yourself to respond. A critique has three elements: description (What do you see?), analysis (What does it mean?), and evaluation (How do you know?). Use them and then write the paper.

Contextual Explanation:

Gives the dance or show its context. States the style of the dance, recognize whether the dance is ballet, modern, jazz, tap, ethnic. Many dances combine different styles. States the choreographer’s name or names. States the music. States the year or general time period. (These are the facts you can give about the work).

Description:

What do you see? should communicate how the dance looked and sounded. This is the gathering of information. Be aware of space, levels, shapes, rhythm, time and dynamics. Look for interrelationships among the movement, such as: repetition and variation of the movement theme, organization into clear sections, and the dance relationships of the dancers. Is the energy projected out or draws (you) the spectator in? Is the dance narrative or non-narrative? What are the costumes, lighting, accompaniment, and stage atmosphere?

Interpretation:

What does it mean? Determine the choreographer’s intent and your “take” on their work: 1) the idea that the medium of movement is the message and the materials are placed in an interesting and pleasing manner, or 2) does the movement tell a story or convey a message, or 3) does the entire show have a theme or themes they are trying to convey. Always state how you know and what lead you to make these interpretations.

Evaluation:

How well did the dancers and choreographer do? Conveys how well the choreographer fulfilled his/her intent and the how you as the viewer reacted to it. Note the elements, fulfillment of the intent, and the viewer’s personal response. Outstanding individual performance can be indicated as well as the enhancement or diminishment of the dancing, the lighting, the costumes, and the accompaniment to the dance itself. Be aware of your own biases and be specific in statements supporting your likes and dislikes.