Concert Critique about a dance performance
A critique is a statement of your point of view. You should develop your ideas so that the reader can visualize and understand the dance as you observed the performance.
Include the following in your critique:State the “who, what, where, when” of the performance. Briefly describe the company and the choreographer.
Describe one dance in detail. This paragraph should communicate how the dance looked and sounded. 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 relationships of the dancers. How does the dance relate to the audience? Is the energy projected out or does it draw the spectator in? What are the costumes, lighting, accompaniment, and stage atmosphere?
This is your interpretation of the dance. State the dance genre and style (remember
that many contemporary choreographers combine different styles). Determine the
choreographer’s intent. Is the dance narrative, non-narrative, improvisation, or abstract? Do you believe that the choreographer chose to allow the medium of movement to be the message or does the movement tell a story or convey a specific message or statement?
This paragraph conveys how well the choreographer fulfilled his/her intent. Your
personal opinion and judgment is the basis for this paragraph. Was the dance successful?
Why or why not? Was the choreographer successful in communicating an overall idea?
Were the dancers technically proficient at performing the work? How did the lighting, set design, costumes, and music enhance or diminish the dance? Although your opinions are important here, be aware of your own biases. Be specific in supporting your likes and dislikes.
How does this dance connect to other dance performances that you have experienced or learned?
How does it connect to dance history and current trends of dance making? Would you
recommend this performance to others? Would you attend more performances by this company or by other dance companies in the future? How did this experience affect your ideas about dance as an art form?
