Updated 7/1/10
DANCE CRITIQUE
Critiques may be done on dance recitals, dance concerts, ballets, etc., or a musical that includes dancing throughout the play. You must critique the ENTIRE performance or play, not just one dance. (See back side for acceptable performances)
Critiques must follow the requirements and format listed below:
(1)Must be typed and exhibit correct spelling, grammar, and neatness. 12 point font; Times font; double spaced; 1 inch margins.
(2)Must be specific to the performance and provide examples to support your comments.
(3)Must have proof of viewing attached:
(a) If viewing a T.V. performance – attach the T.V. listing
(b) If viewing a rental video – attach the rental receipt
(c) If viewing your own video – bring in video with your name written
on the video
(d) If viewing a live performance – attach the ticket or program
(e) THIS IS THE DAY OF TECHNOLOGY- TAKE A PICTURE OF THE TV SCREEN AND PRINT IT IF YOU HAVE TO
(4)LATE CRITIQUES WILL BE PENALIZED a ½ grade for each day it is late; if ill, send it to school and put it in my mailbox.
(5) DO NOT EMAIL your critique; it is your responsibility to print it and turn it in on time.
(6)If you are watching with another student(s); all students must bring proof; everyone must write their own paper independently.
(7) The critique should be written as if it was going to be read as a public document, not as a personal commentary to me, or a friend.
(8) FOLLOW THE FORMAT BELOW.
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FORMAT
Write your name, period, and class in the upper right hand corner, or on a title page.
Title: State title, place, and date of performance
Introduction: Introduce and describe the type of performance and its contents. Include a brief summary of the plot (if applicable), style(s) of dance, and theme(s) of the show or dances.
Body of Critique: Provide specific examples when describing how the lighting and costumes were used to enhance the production.
Analyze the shows weaknesses and strengths giving specific examples for your analysis.
Also consider the performer: audience appeal, enthusiasm, energy, expression, reflection of the theme(s), and technique, etc.
Conclusion: End with a concluding paragraph that includes your recommendation, or lack of recommendation, of the show based on your previous analysis.
APPROVED PERFORMANCES
~Any professional dance company performance (live or recorded):
Examples:American Ballet Theater (ABT)
San Francisco Ballet
Alvin Ailey
Twyla Tharp
Dance Theater Harlem
~Any Musicals (live or movie versions) that include dance throughout:
Examples:Westside Story
Chicago
Hairspray
Anything by Rogers and Hammerstein
~Live college musicals and dance concerts are OK.
~Other LIVE high school musicals and dance concerts are OK.
~LIVE performances of So You Think You Can Dance are OK.
THE “NO” LIST:
Any Dirty Dancing movie
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Footloose
Flashdance
Any Bring It On movie
River Dance
You Got Served
Honey
Out of Step
Save the Last Dance
Center Stage
Dance With Me
Any Step Up movie
This Is It
No contest TV shows like America’s Best Dance Crew, So You Think You Can Dance
NO SRVHS DANCE SHOWS!!!!
NO STUDIO RECITALS: The Next Step, SRVDA, Dance Fusion, CC Ballet, Cast and Co., etc.
NO COMPETITIONS OR COMPETITION SHOWS, ie., LADF, NYCDA, LA Dance Magic, Showstoppers, etc.
Critique Grading Rubric
No proof of viewing: Minus half a grade. Late critiques: minus ½ grade per day
A30-28Follows format, correct grammar and spelling errors
B25-27Follows format but lacking some specific examples, minor grammar or spelling errors.
C22-24Does not follow format, no specific samples or details, only provides generic
information.
D18-20Poor grammar and spelling, minimum information provided.
F0No assignment turned in.