Monday 4 February 2013
Dance Critics - Is their purpose being redefined?
I've just read a report from 'Huffpost Arts & Culture' about dance critics (click on and read 'The Role of Contemporary Critics) and how their role should be seen as educating the public and encouraging discussion to a 'point of view that promotes engagement' with new audiences and artists.
Some very valid points of view were made encouraging critics to give constructive criticism, what with continuing budget cuts for the arts and companies 'folding'. I agree with the author, a wider audience should be reached to promote further inquiry thus promoting and encouraging new dancers and dance supporters.
It's about time critics where examined..
The Role of Contemporary Critics
What is your opinion of dance critics?
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Brilliant Corinda! I read this just the other day and saved it as a file because I was so interested in the article!
ReplyDeleteThe fact that anyone can now become a critic because of tools such as blogs and social media networks baffles me, but helps me to understand that the role of a critic is to simply give his or her personal opinion on a piece of work.
However, professional critics have the power to do a great amount of damage and their code of conduct should perhaps be questioned, similarly to that of photographers and journalists in general?
I agree that the role of a critic should be to offer a "point of view that promotes engagement". I believe that this can be achieved by offering constructive criticism as opposed to "slating" a piece of work.
This raises the question - How important are professional critics for the arts now that we have web platforms? Should we take much notice of the write ups and reviews offered? Without critics, how would "ratings" work. I wonder if there is a professional body for theatre critics?
Best Wishes,
Jo
Precisely Jo, your question about 'how important are professional critics for the arts now that we have web platforms?' What purpose is their role? I think the general public are aware that they can write or make a comment or think for themselves and after all it is a personal opinion. I think professional critics spoil some people's experience of a show. They stop people from forming their own opinion not only that but to actually physically stop people in their tracks from living a unique experience. It has essence of bullying or a taste of being unethical. People learn by their experiences. It's a realisation of what they like and dislike...
ReplyDeleteI agree, constructive criticism should be given and as for ratings, may be give out a ratings survey to members of the audience instead. After all, it's the audience that matters
How about ratings for critics?
Best wishes
Corinda
Corinda,
ReplyDeleteYou have touched on the idea of such a simple tool that could be used for all theatrical productions. Hard copies of surveys / comment forms could be handed out with programmes / on entry or electronically sent by email after attendance. I wonder why theatres don't do this? I wonder if anyone has experienced this method of feedback happening as a constant process?
Picking up on your ratings question, I wonder too if there is an association for critics to be affiliated to, ensuring that a code of conduct is adhered to for the greater good of theatre arts? Another interesting question...
Jo
ReplyDeleteI found this link to a UK association: http://www.criticscircle.org.uk/?ID=1
And a US Dance critic association: http://www.dancecritics.org/blog/?p=150
I trust that the links work. Interesting reading...
My of my supervisors at Birbeck (she worked in public art) said that she was thought that many of those in public office who were in charge of the arts had not had training in the arts. Here - does a journalist get training after the arts or does an artist get trained in journalism?
ReplyDeletePoints for the article:
"To all critics: I'm not asking you to be kind. That does no services to our community. However, I ask that you consider your role in the community and the power your words have over the common reader or the new audience member:
- Is educating the less experienced audience member a part of your point of view? Is that important?
- Does your review provide constructive criticism to the production, while making commentary within a larger context?
- Does your review engage the larger community and promote discussion and engagement?"
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