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 “shorter “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-eight hundred words, which allows the writers to explore a work to satisfaction while keeping the reading time to approx. five-seven minutes. Flash reviews of one-three hundred words might receive more clicks, but See Chicago Dance is committed to covering works of dance in 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
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.
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Robyn Mineko Williams and Artists presents “To Leave You,” Nov. 10, The Salt Shed
“‘To Leave You’ is a new interdisciplinary performance by Robyn Mineko Williams and Artists acknowledging the impressions we leave in and for one another as we live and pass on. The work seamlessly blends movement, music, film, and video projection into a tapestry of scenes investigating traces — a mapping of the essences, memories and messages we leave behind when we exit this world. Featuring composer/musician Nate Kinsella (Birthmark, American Football), visual design by Julia Miller (Manual Cinema), and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago alumni Jason Hortin and Jessica Tong, ‘To Leave You’ was previewed in September 2025 as part of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s annual festival Chicago Performs, with support from the MCA’s New Works Initiative. VIP tickets include early admission and premium seating.”
Read a review of “To Leave You” (2025) by staff writer Rachel Benzing by clicking HERE.
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago presents “Fall Series,” Nov. 13-22, Steppenwolf Theatre
“Having become one of the hottest tickets in town, Fall Series at Steppenwolf Theatre features two World Premieres’: ‘Paulina Street Passage,’ a new work by Bob Fosse & Linda Haberman of The Verdon Fosse® Legacy that pays homage to the legendary Fosse while pushing his legacy forward, and ‘LUMINA’ by former NDT2 Artistic Director Fernando Hernando Magadan. Resident Artist Aszure Barton’s “spectacular” (Chicago Tribune) ‘LubDub,’ created for Hubbard Street in Spring 2026, completes the program.”
Read a review of Hubbard Street’s “Fall Series” (2025) by staff writer Maureen Janson by clicking HERE.
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
The Future of Dance at “Free Fall Student Performance Night,” Nov. 19-20, Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, FREE
“Revel in a sampler evening of original, brand new, short works by student choreographers selected from an open application process. Some artists are sharing pieces on the Dance Center’s stage for the first time, others offer works informed by their years immersed in the DC’s pluralistic curriculum. Lit by Theatre’s rising lighting designers, these eagerly anticipated concerts feature audiences as electric as the performers.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
“Solo,” Nov. 23, Harris Theater for Music and Dance
“‘SOLO’ brings together an extraordinary gathering of dance artists from some of the world’s most celebrated companies for one night at Chicago’s Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Conceived by composer Ira Antelis and curated and directed by Jonathan E. Alsberry, the evening pairs newly composed piano works with singular dance interpretations by artists whose journeys span Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Gibney Company, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, and other leading artistic communities.
Dedicated to Antelis’s mother, Barbara, following her journey with Alzheimer’s disease, SOLO is presented in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. All ticket holders are invited to a special pre-show lobby experience exploring the connection between music, movement, and memory.
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
MOMIX presents “Botanica,” Nov. 7, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage
“MOMIX, an internationally celebrated company of dancer-illusionists founded and directed by Moses Pendleton, returns to the MAC with a dazzling fusion of dance, illusion and theatrical magic. Dancers transform into flowers, insects, and shifting landscapes for a breathtaking celebration of nature. Bachtrack says, ‘Watching MOMIX’s ‘Botanica’ is like traveling to another world,’ and St. Louis Magazine says, ‘this show will keep everyone, the neophyte and the aficionado alike, entertained. But to all those uncertain about dance, seeing MOMIX in Botanica will convert you.'”
Read a review of MOMIX’s “Alice” (2024) by staff writer Megan Kudla by clicking HERE.
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Christopher Knowlton presents “Echo Network,” Nov. 13-14, Epiphany Arts Center
“‘Echo Network’ is an experimental dance, sound and technology performance that explores networked synesthesia and the idea of sound as touch at a distance. The work draws biomimetic inspiration from mammals like dolphins, bats, wolves, elephants and whales who use echolocation, calls and songs to navigate low-visibility environments and strengthen social bonds. Real-time haptic data from muscle sensors and pressure-sensing insoles worn by collaborative performers Rachel Damon, Chrissy Martin and Dylan Roth drive immersive projections designed by Enki Andrews and spatialized soundscapes created by Scott Rubin for Elastic Art’s one-of-a-kind multichannel CLEAT system, allowing the dancers and audience to hear their movements. With elements first hatched during the 2023 Chicago Cultural Center Dance Studio Residency and further expanded in a 2025 work-in-progress showing Elaborate at the Claudia Cassidy Theatre, ‘Echo Network’ experiments with new modes of non-verbal accessibility in dance. The project imagines a naturalized digital social network as a place for embodied connection as the ensemble navigates themes of discovery, play, exchange, migration and departure.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Erica Maya Dance Shoes presents “Sunday Salsa Social and Fall Market,” Nov. 8, Artifacts Events Center Chicago
“Fun filled event with Salsa dancing all day from 1-7PM with 5 DJ, a large vendor space selling anything from Dance Shoes, Dance Studio Classes, merchandise, pastries, etc. We’ll have a short class by Studio E and a local surprise performance.”
“Also the first ever shoe swap! Bring in your new/like new dance shoes and exchange them for a different pair from our exchange table. Any shoes your prefer to donate you can so directly to Latinos Juntos Dance Team a high school 501(c)3. You will also receive a $25 MarketPlace bucks to use towards the purchase of new dance shoes with Erica Maya Dance Shoes.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Art of Being: The Immutable & Fiction (Dance/Movement Workshop with Ayako Kato), Nov. 2-23, Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
“Based on accumulating study on Quantum Physics, Ayako will invite participants to dance/move as a creator of both fiction and reality, and question what it means to create. Through grounding and uplifting somatic and improvisational exercises inspired by Quantum Entanglement/Cosmology, Ayako will guide you to open up space in you and dance as fully and freely as wave-particles!”
“This is an experimental contemporary dance workshop and an open-level dance/movement class. Practitioners of all forms of dance, theater, music, arts, and movement lovers are welcome. Dress comfortably so you can move with ease. Just come with your dancing spirit and curiosity to explore what humans are together!”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Bodies of Water presents “The Water Ball,” Nov. 19, Salvage One
“This event is a community award show focusing on up-and-coming people and organizations in the Chicago dance community, specifically celebrating the grassroots efforts that makes up a substantial and integral part of the community! Featuring performances by KTCO, Seniyah Tribble, Hattie Haggard Gobble, and Bodies of Water throughout the Award Show. Cash bar on site. Dress Code – Be formal. Be camp. Be both. Be neither!”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
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