Dance Writing: How Long Should an Article Be?

It is widely reported that attention spans for readers is diminishing, and that is false. People still enjoy reading, but as readers are increasingly consuming text on digital devices, incidences of distraction are increasingly prevalent. Thus, while attention spans in individuals are not much different than ever before, the number of media options competing for said attention has grown exponentially. In order to capture an audience, writers must adapt by making their points more concisely.

Dance writing is unique in that it is very difficult to write a short article. Many modern dance performances do not provide comprehensive narratives, so the dance writer relies heavily on visual description to support their analysis, a challenge when every moment of a captivating work is worth a thousand words. Many dance events are composed of multiple works, or companies, and dance writers try to give all their fair due; however, covering ten works in eight-hundred words leaves less than an average of a mere eighty words per work. The push and pull of providing description and analysis while keeping an article at a length that is competitive with the bombardment of media at one’s fingertips is a popular topic among contemporary journalists and writers of all stripes.

The urge to produce very short “flash” articles is alluring but ultimately does a disservice to the readers and artists. At See Chicago Dance, we try to keep each review of a performance between seven- to eight-hundred words, which allows the writers to explore a work to satisfaction while keeping the reading time to approx. five to seven minutes. Flash reviews of one- to three-hundred words might receive more clicks, but See Chicago Dance is committed to covering works of dance with more depth. For artists, the extra analysis provides valuable input for their development and more comprehensive data to fill in the historical record of their artistic contributions for future generations.

That being said, brevity is preferable. The dance writing department of See Chicago Dance is constantly refining our process of arts communication, and editorial works closely with each writer to produce the most concise yet thorough reviews as possible. While the art always takes center stage, consideration of our readership’s time and energy to complete an article is a salient factor in our process. We know that readers don’t have time for navel-gazing, and we are constantly refining our process to provide coverage that is competitive in today’s saturated media market without cutting any corners regarding our coverage.

Check out this month’s Shows You Gotta See below and take a peek at the accompanying past reviews of these artists and works by our talented staff of writers.

-Managing Editor, Tristan Bruns

Shows You Gotta See

Giordano Dance Chicago’s “Fall Series” at the Harris Theater

Chicago Repertory Ballet presents “The Capulets,” Nov. 5-8, Ruth Page Center for the Arts

“Chicago Repertory Ballet proudly brings back ‘The Capulets’ for a limited return engagement this November.”

“Conceived and choreographed by Wade Schaaf, this cinematic, full-length ballet shifts the spotlight from the star-crossed lovers to the heart of the Capulet household itself—where hidden passions, betrayals, and fractures simmer just beneath the surface of Verona’s most powerful family.”

“Set to an evocative original score by Matty Mattsson and brought to life through immersive projection design by SPAN Design, the production centers on Lady Capulet — trapped between duty and desire — as her secret relationship with Tybalt threatens to unravel everything her family has built. Against a backdrop of violence, ambition, and mounting tension, The Capulets delivers an emotionally charged experience unlike any traditional telling of the classic tragedy.”

Look for an upcoming preview of “The Capulets” Nov. 1 by managing editor Tristan Bruns.

Read a review of “The Capulets” (2025) by staff writer Sydney Valdez by clicking HERE.