The Hardest Part of Being a Dance Critic
“The best in this kind are but shadows; and the worst are no worse, if imagination amend them.”
(A Midsummer’s Nights Dream 5.1.223-226)
Being a dance critic is a wonderful job but for one caveat, the critiquing.
As a critic, one gets to see numerous outstanding performances, for free, often in the best seats, in exchange for their thoughts—and who doesn’t like to give their opinion about a work of art? Over time, a critic can track the development of artists and gain an intimate understanding of their creative processes, which makes each new event extra exciting as one experiences the development of up-and-coming artists blossom into local, national, and international sensations.
However, the critic’s job is not to be a professional theatergoer but to provide educative feedback that inspires artists to grow, even if that feedback is unfavorable. Speaking from my own experience, and the experience of several See Chicago Dance staff writers, it’s not fun to point out flaws in a work. At SCD, we do not believe that any performance is “bad” as long as the artists put in the time, effort, and resources necessary to produce a complete event. We take great care to give accurate descriptions of what is happening on stage, followed by an analysis of whether the work fully realizes the intentions of the artist.
I have read reviews of dance and plays by critics who seem to take delight in tearing down a performance, and I often wonder where the line of hard criticism should be drawn. If a critic pulls their punches, the artist misses out on vital information; if a critic punches too hard, their words can have a serious negative effect on the artist’s career. The goal is to tell the truth as one understands it, but HOW the truth is told is the unsettled subject of the young branch of the philosophy of aesthetics that considers dance.
Are SCD critics censoring themselves? No. We apply an ethical standard to simply describe and inspect a thing as it is. If a work is lacking, an accurate description and analysis should get the message across sans hyperbole. All opinions are subjective, and what might read as undesirable to one person may sound desirable to another—we want the reader to make up their mind. While bombastic rhetoric may attract more views, SCD’s formal and academic style and guidelines favor clarity in our coverage.
What do you think? Is a critic’s job to be ruthless in their critique, or must there be an ethic of care involved in their review? Where should the line, if any, be drawn? Send your thoughts to editor@seechicagodance to possibly see your comment featured in an upcoming Shows You Gotta See column.
Managing Editor, Tristan Bruns
C5 Artists Foundation presents “Dance Divas 2026: “Everything Old Is New Again,” Oct. 10-11, The Rhapsody Theater
“‘Dance Divas 2026’ brings together more than 40 of Chicago’s finest dancers from local dance companies for a dazzling night of stunning performances, glamorous looks, and unmatched talent. Created by dancers, for the dancers, this show benefits the Chicago Dance Health Fund, supporting the health and wellness of Chicago’s dance community. Join us in celebrating the artistry and spirit of Chicago’s dancers.”
“This year’s theme is “Everything Old is New Again,” breathing fresh life into past traditions. Striking choreography and attire hearken back to a bygone era while imparting a distinct sense of modernity. The Divas of today will pay tribute to famed Dance Divas and prove that while times may change, showstopping dance, music, and glitz are forever.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Darvin Dances presents “Halloween Creepy Crawlies,” Oct. 11, Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
“‘Halloween Creepy Crawlies’ is a family friendly dance production produced by Darvin Dances that explores the mysteries of Halloween through a lost ghost’s search for her haunted home. On her way, she is helped by Ballerina Witches, Jazzy Vampires, Modern-Dancing Mummies, a Tap Dancing Skeleton and even a Jack O’ Lantern named Jake! Join us on October 11th at 2pm + 7pm for this Halloween adventure! Any kids will even have a chance to participate in a 15-minute Halloween Dance Experience before the show begins!”
To read a review of Darvin Dances “The [fill in the blank] Between Us” (2026) by staff writer, Isabel Campisteguy, click the link HERE.
For more information about “Halloween Creepy Crawlies,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
MOMENTA Dance Company presents “CounterBalance 15th Anniversary Emerging Choreographers Showcase, Oct 17, The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
“MOMENTA Dance Company makes its Dance Center debut with the 15th Anniversary of CounterBalance. This will be the first time the long-running celebration of physically–integrated and inclusive dance is being presented in a space designed for, and dedicated to, dance. Founded by Ginger Lane to help dispel stereotypes and myths about people with disabilities, especially dance artists, CounterBalance has taken place at Access Living, National Museum of Mexican Art, Victory Gardens, Center on Halsted, and virtually during the pandemic. “
“The 15th anniversary celebration includes the Emerging Choreographers Showcase co-curated by Ginger Lane and Maggie Bridger to provide a platform for local, early-career disabled choreographers. All events provide ASL interpretation, audio description, open captions, assisted listening, accommodate service animals, and offer a low-sensory space option and accessibility doulas. The Dance Center is wheelchair accessible.”
To catch up on the history of MOMENTUM Dance Company, check out this article by arts writer Irene Hsiao by clicking HERE.
For more information about “CounterBalance 15th Anniversary Emerging Choreographers Showcase,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to The Auditorium , Oct. 17
“Celebrate Arthur Mitchell’s belief that ballet belongs to everyone with New York based Dance Theatre of Harlem, a company internationally acclaimed for redefining what ballet looks like in the 21st century. With breathtaking athleticism and undeniable artistry, DTH bridges tradition and innovation—featuring beloved classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and Artistic Director Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to as celebration. Their highly anticipated return to The Auditorium will include the legendary ”Firebird,” a reimagining of the Russian folk tale of love’s triumph over evil set in a lush Caribbean world. Choreographed by John Taras and set to Igor Stravinsky’s iconic score, the production is brought to vivid life through the vibrant sets and costumes of Geoffrey Holder—a visually stunning celebration of storytelling through ballet.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Bevara Anderson-Selkridge presents “Essence,” Oct. 23-24, the Dance Center of Columbia College
“Bevara Anderson-Selkridge presents her first standalone BĀLA Dance Project concert in Chicago featuring her choreographic range from solos to duets, from small group pieces to large ensemble works and drawing upon her fluency in Umfundalai, House, Modern, Horton, Contemporary Ballet, and Vagonava dance techniques and practices. Anderson-Selkridge’s work is more than movement; it’s revolution and it’s resistance. Presented in partnership with BĀLA Dance Project and National Association for American African Dance Teachers.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Mandala South Asian Performing Arts headlines “Red Line Jazz Festival,” Oct. 16, Harris Theater for Music and Dance
“Curated by Fareed Haque, acclaimed guitarist and Mandala Artist-in-Residence, the Red Line Jazz Festival is the culminating performance of the Red Line Jazz Project, a five-month public arts initiative showcasing live music and cultural programming at CTA Red Line stations and community spaces across Chicago.”
“The festival features project artists Butter Chicken Brass Band, Luciano Antonio, The Windy City Ramblers, members of the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra, the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, and the Mandala Dance Ensemble, led by Mandala Associate Director – Raji Venkat with choreography by Ensemble member, Sigma Satabdhi.”
To read an interview with Mandala founder, Pranita Nayar, check out this article by staff writer, D’onminique Ndosi Mapula Riley, by clicking HERE.
For more information, checkout the event page by clicking HERE.
Same Planet Performance Project and Zephyr Dance present “3320” Dance Series, Oct. 16-24, The Garage at Dovetail Studios
Join us for third annual 3320 Dance Series. Produced by Joanna Read and Same Planet Performance Project and Michelle Kranicke and Zephyr Dance, 3320 will feature original work and performances by a cross section of some of Chicago’s most prolific dancemakers including, Same Planet Performance Project, Zephyr Dance, Ishti Collective, Joseph Ravens, Jyl Fehrenkamp and Matthew Hollis, Colleen Halloran, Soren Niewelt and Maggie Vannucci. The 2026 Festival also marks a return by Bob Eisen. 3320 is designed to showcase the choreographic depth and varied aesthetics of Chicago’s dance community highlighting experienced choreographers within the intimate setting of The Garage at Dovetail Studios.”
To read a preview about the “3320” Dance Series,” check out this article by staff writer, Maureen Janson, by clicking HERE.
For more information about the “3320” Dance Series, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
“The Best of the Best Ballroom” at Chicago Dancesport Championships, Oct. 23-25, Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites
“Competitors come all over the world to compete at the Chicago Dancesport Championships. Ballroom Dancing at its highest forms. Be a spectator in the most challenging, endurance, stamina, motivational, and physically dance competition. Join us for the Thursday’s Opening Ceremony Cocktail Hour, Pro Showcases and General Dancing along with the Saturday Night Evening Gala Dinner.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Ballet Hispánico New York presents “CARMEN.maquia,” Oct. 10, McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage
“Ballet Hispánico New York presents Gustavo Ramirez Sansano’s electrifying “CARMEN.maquia” — a bold reimagining of the classic Spanish tale through a Picasso-inspired, black-and-white minimalist lens.”
“Emotionally fierce, intensely sensual, brilliantly danced and stunningly designed…riveting from start to finish.”
— Chicago Sun-Times
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Malhaar Dance Company presents “Malhaar Ananta Arts Festival,” Oct. 25, Sycamore High School Auditorium, Sycamore
“Ananta – the infinite cycle of art, stories, and expression.”
“Bringing together extraordinary artists, captivating performances, and the magic of live music. Ananta is our humble initiative to create a space where art transcends boundaries, and stories unfold through movement. We are honored to present two distinguished artists from India: Dr. Neena Prasad – Mohiniyattam artist [and] Sreelakshmi Govardhan – Kuchipudi artist, along with local artists Sreevidhya Vijayan and Varsha Vijayan.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Ballet 5:8 presents “La Llorona,” Oct. 31, Hemmens Cultural Center
“This Halloween, Ballet 5:8 brings ‘La Llorona’ to The Hemmens Cultural Center for a hauntingly beautiful afternoon of dance, storytelling, and family festivities. Inspired by one of Latin America’s most enduring legends, this original ballet looks beyond the familiar ghost story to find Maria—the woman inside the myth. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, isolation, and postpartum depression, Maria begins to disappear inside her illness. As fear and grief distort her reality, family, faith, and community become lifelines pulling her toward hope.”
“Through powerful choreography, theatrical storytelling, and a cinematic score infused with Mexican folk colors and live trumpet improvisation, ‘La Llorona’ transforms a story rooted in fear into a deeply human portrait of maternal mental health, compassion, and restoration.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
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