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Write About Dance

Write Your Review

Usually, a review concludes with the writer's opinion about the work. However, before you pass judgement, you need to tell your reader about what you saw and experienced. Most good reviews include the three major elements of criticism : description, analysis and evaluation.

  • Description explains the basic "data" of the event. Tell the reader about the performance, starting with basic details about who performed, where and when. Then describe the elements of the performance, including the movement, music, sets, lighting, costumes, etc. Try not to give away your opinion yet. Objective description avoids leading adjectives that colour the writing with personal bias.
  • Analysis addresses the meaning of the performance. Talk about images, ideas, themes, narrative and context. Make links back to your description and explain how the choreographer used the various elements of the performance to express his or her ideas.
  • Evaluation provides an opinion on whether the performance communicated successfully. Can you determine the choreographer's intent? Based on your analysis, did the elements and structure of the work serve this purpose? From your point of view, was the performance effective or ineffective? Discuss why you have come to your particular conclusion. A strong and responsible review includes description and analysis before evaluation.