How to Write an Observation Paper or Critique

Photo by Emi Yañez

Those of you studying dance academically at the college or high school level have probably been  (or will at some time be) asked to express in writing your reaction to a dance performance. These essays go by many names (observations, critiques, reactions), however, the format is generally the same – two pages of double spaced… what?

What am I supposed to write about? How do I describe movement? What should I be looking for when I watch dance? How should I format the paper? What is expected of me?

A Guide to Writing Performance Reaction Essays

Preparation and Recording

1. Read articles, class material, and descriptions of the dance company, artist, and/or dances you will be seeing. This little bit of additional knowledge can go a long way in helping you watch and write about the performance.
2. Arrive early to the performance and read through any program notes and biographies
3. Keep a writing utensil handy to record notes in the program or in a pad of paper
4. Record keywords and phrases regarding what you see, feel, hear, and experience
5. Do not judge your own perceptions
   
6. Document movements, costumes, music, lighting, scenery, props with descriptive words (adjectives and verbs) as they occur to you
   • Look for shapes and patterns in the organization of movement or ideas.
     • Are certain things repeated? Do the dancers move in lines or formations?
   • Notice relationships between dancers, between objects, between parts of the body
     • Is there distance between individuals or groups of dancers? Does the head follow the elbow in a turn or does the dancer focus outward, beyond himself?
   • Observe your feelings and images that come to mind, and how they change (or not) throughout the piece
     • Does the music make you tense or agitated? Do the movements remind you of popcorn one moment and falling leaves the next?

Structuring Your Paper

1. Look through your notes and recall the thoughts, images, and aspects of the dance of which they were written
   • Are there themes or patterns in your responses?
   • Were your reactions to certain works stronger than others?
   • What stands out as you look at your notes?
2. Based upon this information, determine which dance pieces (one or two are usually plenty), or which aspects of the performance (themes or motifs, costumes, lighting, etc.)  you will detail in your central paragraphs. Three paragraphs is usually appropriate.
3. Consider how you might summarize this collection of paragraphs or the work as a whole. This is helpful in creating your introductory and concluding paragraphs.

Photo by Jose Roco

Writing Your Paper

Introduction

Include the name of the artist or company in your opening lines. Other possibilities include where and when and even under what conditions you saw the performance.

Set up the following paragraphs (the meat of your paper) with a general thesis statement. This could describe or offer your prevailing opinion of the work overall, and/or mention the titles of the works you are about to discuss. (For more on thesis statements see this article at the George Mason University website)

Observations

Use specific and descriptive language when writing about what you’ve seen.

• Use action words that imply a quality or attribute of the movement (slithered, sauntered, bounded, careened instead of rolled, walked, leaped, or turned)
• Use vivid adjectives to describe qualities of the lighting, costuming, or other elements (cast cheerless shadows, donned gaudy colors and fabrics, carved intricate pathways)

Include your interpretation of how the work(s) develop, how they change in mood, how the themes or mood of the piece is expressed

When offering your opinions of a specific element or how effectively the work is carried out, support these with specific examples from the work (and be wary of attempting to support opinion with blanket statements of belief – “The dancer was astonishing. She was an amazing turner and moved better than anyone else on stage.” vs. “The dancer was astonishing. Her turns had a serpentine fluidity, making her a standout every time she took the stage.”)

Conclusion

Sum up your overall experiences and thoughts about the performance.

Relate what you’ve seen to your study, or describe how the performance affected you and/or others in the audience

Reading, Revising, and Polishing Your Work

1. Read what you’ve written aloud to yourself or a friend. Is your meaning clear and does it read smoothly?
2. Leave the paper and then go back to it, reading and making any necessary revisions. Cut or tighten redundant (repetitive) statements, phrases, or paragraphs.
3. Check spelling (particularly on the spelling of names and titles within the production) and proper punctuation
4. Be sure the paper is formatted to your instructor’s specifications before handing it in

Photo by Vinicius Depizzol

Remember, your reactions, feelings, and opinions are neither right or wrong, however, how well you express these in your writing can vary. Composing an effective observation essay about a performance takes preparation and an openness to receiving the dance presented. Your state of mind when viewing work that is unfamiliar can affect your perceptions so, try to be rested when you watch a performance, clearing your head of to-do lists or other extraneous thoughts.

I hope you find this guide helpful for drafting your performance reaction or simply an assistance as you view dance. For further aid, try this guide to writing dance reactions from George Mason University.

Have you written an Observation/Reaction paper or critique?

If so, what are some things new writers might avoid?

If you are new to writing about performance, what are your questions?

Post them below!

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Nichelle Strzepek is the writer/editor of Dance Advantage. Equipped with little more than passion for movement education, she embraced her inner computer nerd and began this blog in 2008. She holds a BA in dance and is an instructor with over 16 years experience. Nichelle continues to perform as a contemporary dance artist, covers dance in the Houston area as a freelance writer and critic, and balances daily life as a full-time mom.

Nichelle has written 251 articles for Dance Advantage.